| • Jack Bishop Chairman |
• Jack Peters Vice Chair |
• Michael Galloway Secretary / Executive Committee |
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| • Bob Beattie | • Paul Hayes | • Sunnie Richer | ||
| • Donald Brown | • Randy Minear | • Jodi Urich | ||
| • Perry Chapin | • Ron Morden | • Lynette Rasmussen | ||
| • Nolden Gentry | ||||
| • PMRC Board Meeting Minutes | ||||
Jack Bishop, former chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, joined the Racing Association of Central Iowa Board of Directors in June 2003 following 28 years of service to Polk County. Bishop has been a strong supporter of Prairie Meadows since the very beginning, always showing his leadership by lobbying to save jobs and keep Prairie Meadows open. He was also instrumental in facilitating the debt retirement of Prairie Meadows' $40 million revenue bond following the first 18 months after the casino opened in April 1995. In 2004, Jack was elected to the Prairie Meadows Hall of Fame and was inducted during ceremonies in August as a visionary and leader of economic development in Eastern Polk County.
Jack Peters, who joined the PMRC Board in 2000, is one of 10 brothers and sisters raised on his parents' farm in Clifton, Illinois. After completing his education in Illinois, Jack embarked on a 40-year career in agribusiness. This pursuit took him into management positions in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Over the past six years, he has served as General Manager of U.S. Feeds in Eldora, Iowa. In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the American Feed Industry and two terms as President of the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association. Jack currently serves the IQHRA as the Association's Vice President and has been a member of the AQHA Racing Committee for more than five years. He has been involved in Quarter Horse breeding and racing for more than 25 years and has expanded his operation to include thoroughbreds. In his leisure time, Jack's hobbies include golfing, hunting, and trap shooting. Jack and his wife, Charlotte, enjoy spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren.
A native of Coon Rapids, Iowa, Michael Galloway joined the Prairie Meadows board in November 2004. Michael presently works in labor relations and employment law at Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., a firm representing private sector employers and local government bodies (cities, counties and school districts). Previously as general counsel and division administrator of labor relations and legal services for Iowa Department of Personnel, Michael was responsible for the administration of all labor relations functions for approximately 20,000 employees. Before that, he was labor relations manager for Polk County, Iowa. Michael is a 1993 graduate of Iowa State University, earning his diploma with distinction from the college of business administration. He also graduated with honors in 1996 from Drake University Law School. Michael is married to Jennifer Galloway. The couple has a daughter, Avery.
Gerard "Gerry" Neugent joined the board in November 2004. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gerry has lived in Polk County for more than three decades. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1973 from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a juris doctor from Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, in 1975. In 1993, he became president and chief operating officer of Knapp Properties, Inc., West Des Moines. Before that, from 1976-1993, he owned a private law practice in Des Moines. Gerry's community service work includes the Public Library of Des Moines Foundation Board and Dowling High School Foundation Board. In addition, he is a member of the American, Iowa, and Polk County Bar Associations. In 2000, he received the South Des Moines Citizen of the Year Award and, in 2003, was named Alumnus of the Year by Drake University Law School. Gerry is married to Mary Louise H. Neugent. The couple has two children and one grandchild.
Tom Whitney, a lifelong resident of Polk County and an attorney specializing in personal injury litigation, joined the Prairie Meadows board in November 2004. Tom graduated from Des Moines East High School, was an original inductee in East's Alumni Hall of Fame, and received the school's Service to Humanity award. He earned a bachelor of education and juris doctorate from Drake University, Des Moines, and as a result of his studies there received the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and Quax Personality of the Year awards. During his early career, Tom taught American government and American history in the Des Moines Public School System and, at age 23, became the youngest elected official in Polk County history. A member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors for 16 years, Tom authored Iowa's community-based corrections programs and community mental health and retardation programs. Tom has been recognized for numerous local government reforms in administration, zoning, public health, secondary roads, personnel, finance, employment, human services, conservation, and corrections. For five years, he was the Iowa Democratic Party State Chair and he was instrumental in Iowa becoming the gateway to the nation's presidential caucuses. Tom was the first recipient from Polk County to receive the Iowa Jaycees "Outstanding Young Man" Award. He has served on the boards of The Greater Des Moines United Way, Greater Des Moines YMCA, YMCA Boys Home, Polk County Welfare Board, Polk County Mental Health Coordinating Commission, and chaired Iowa's first local government Charter Commission. In addition, he is a past board member of the Friends of Public Television, Central Iowa Red Cross, and Central Iowa Health Council. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, Polk County Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, and Iowa Trial Lawyers. Tom is admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern District federal courts and the Iowa Supreme Court.
Bob Beattie, who joined the Prairie Meadows board in November 2006, traces his family heritage in Polk County dating back to 1860. After spending his youth on a dairy farm, Bob graduated from Runnells High School and served honorably for four years in the United States Navy. At that point, he began a 40-year venture in real estate. In 1990, he sold Bob Beattie Realty and became a commercial Realtor at Iowa Realty in Altoona. His record of community service being lengthy, Bob participated on the following board and committees: Iowa Association of Realtors [regional vice president.]; Greater Des Moines Board of Realtors [president]; Greater Des Moines Board of Realtors [board of directors]; Professional Standards Committee [Des Moines board chairman]; The Heart Connection [director]; Southeast Polk Schools [board member]; Polk County Board of Adjustment; Polk-Des Moines Consolidation Committee; Hartford-Carlisle Bank; and Mentor Iowa. He is currently a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, MENSA, Greater Des Moines Association of Realtors, Iowa Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors. Bob has five children and 13 grandchildren.
Donald Brown, vice president of the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, joined the Prairie Meadows board in February 2008. Don is a member of the Communication Workers of America and he is vice president of the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor Union Labor Park Board. He also serves on the boards of directors of Iowa Citizens Action Network and United Way of Central Iowa. Don represented the Communication Workers for 22 years as a lobbyist at the Iowa legislature, and he formerly served on the board of Local 7102. In addition, he chaired the Legislative/Political, Finance and Bylaws Committees, the Warren County Board of Adjustment, the I-35 Community Schools Advisory Committee, and he was vice chair of the I-35 Building Committee. Don is a graduate of Indianola High School, and he attended classes at the University of Iowa Labor Center. He retired from Qwest Communications and its predecessor organizations following 40 years’ service. Don and his spouse, Glenda, have two children and one grandson.
Perry Chapin, an original member of the feasibility study committee for Prairie Meadows, was Vice President of the PMRC Board in the early 1990s. Perry graduated from Altoona High School and served honorably in the US Navy. He has attended Des Moines Area Community College and the University of Iowa. Perry is a retired United Steel Worker, a retired President of the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, and currently presides as Executive Director for the Labor Institute for Workforce Development. Perry has served on many international, national, state, and local boards and committees representing organized labor. He also serves on the Goodwill board of directors. Perry's outside interests include hunting, fishing, and horse racing. Perry and his wife enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Appointed in November 2002, attorney Nolden Gentry has been with the Des Moines law firm of Brick, Gentry, Bowers, et al, as principal partner since 1967. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science (1960) and juris doctor (1964) from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. From January 1964 to January 1965, he was an FBI special agent for the Department of Justice, Newark, New Jersey. He returned to Iowa in 1965 to serve as an assistant attorney general assigned to the Department of Public Instruction, where he authored all opinions concerning education. Nolden has served as outside counsel for the Des Moines Civil Service Commission and is a committee member of Drake Relays. He is a board member of Delta Dental of Iowa; Bankers Trust Company, N.A. and Bankers Trust Company Cedar Rapids; Mid-Iowa Health Foundation; and University of Iowa Foundation. His past activities include the Urban Affairs Department; the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (1968-1969); and Special Assistant Des Moines City Attorney. Previous board service includes Des Moines Public Schools; Iowa Board of Public Instruction; Commission for the Blind; Iowa Public Television Foundation; United Way; MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company; Orchard Place Child Guidance Center; and Morris Scholarship Fund, Inc. He also served on the Simpson College Board of Trustees and was a member of the City of Des Moines Skywalk Commission.
Paul Hayes, a native of Iowa growing up in Bettendorf, graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. Paul began his career with the public accounting firm of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP. He became a partner in 1983, directing the tax practice of the Des Moines office. During his career, he provided advice to clients in business acquisitions, real estate investments, and general financial planning. In 2004, he left public accounting to become president of JSC Properties, Inc., Des Moines, a real estate holding and investment company. Paul is a Certified Public Accountant and he is a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Previously, Paul served on the boards of several charitable organizations including Hospice of Central Iowa, Des Moines Playhouse and the Alliance for Arts and Understanding. His outside interests include singing in the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Greater Des Moines and fishing.
Randy Minear, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, graduated from Valley High School, West Des Moines, and received a bachelor's degree in business management at Iowa State University, Ames. Randy's career includes 19 years with the Commercial Real Estate Department at The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines. He founded Terrus Real Estate Group in January 2000 as the organization's president, employing 150 veteran professionals of commercial real estate. Randy is actively involved on the following Des Moines area boards: Downtown Community Alliance, Operation Downtown, Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, and First Federal Savings Bank. He previously served on the boards of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, YMCA, and Downtown Housing Committee. Randy and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Emily and Scott. In his spare time, Randy enjoys attending his children's activities, hunting, fishing, and bicycling.
Ron Morden rejoined the Prairie Meadows board in November 2006 after having served from 1998-2000. He was the organization’s Vice President-Finance & Chief Financial Officer from 2001-2002. The Jefferson, Iowa native attended Iowa State University, Ames, and earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Drake University, Des Moines. In 1999, he retired as Senior Vice President and Treasurer following 29 years at American Republic Insurance Company, Des Moines. He is a past president of Financial Executives Institute and Polk Des Moines Taxpayers Association and served on the Polk County Charter Commission and Criminal Justice Task Force. Ron is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Iowa Society of CPAs, Financial Executives International, and is president of the board of the Lake Panorama Association. He enjoys water activities, golf, aviation, and barbershop harmony singing with his wife, Jayne.
Lynette Rasmussen, general counsel for Rasmussen Group, Inc., Des Moines, joined the Prairie Meadows Board in January 2007. An honors student her first year at the University of Chicago, Lynette transferred to Augustana College in Rock Island in 1984 and she graduated a Presidential Scholar in 1987. In 1988, Lynette enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Law in Iowa City. In her later studies at Drake University Law School, she earned a juris doctor in 1991 and became a Member of The Order of the Coif. From 1990 through1993, Lynette worked as a summer associate and litigation associate at the Des Moines law firm Nyemaster, Goode, McLaughlin, Voigts, West, Hansell & O’Brien, P.C. and she was an adjunct professor at Drake University [1993, 1995]. Lynette is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and Polk County Women Attorneys. In addition, she is a member of the City of Johnston Board of Adjustment and serves on the board of the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, Iowa. Lynette previously served on the Charter Commission for the Study of City/County Consolidated Alternate Form of County Government [2001-2003] and was a member of the YMCA Camp Board and Luther Memorial Church Council.
Sunnie Richer made Polk County her home when she moved to Des Moines from Chicago in 1983 as branch manager for IBM. She joined the Prairie Meadows board in November 2004 and is currently the president of Doextra Corporation, a software business partner for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) manufacturers that include Sales Logix and Microsoft. Prior to forming Doextra, Sunnie was president of Opis Corporation, which was purchased in 1997 by Sales Logix. From 1990-1995, she was senior vice president of marketing and technology at Brenton Banks, Inc., a $1.6 billion holding company in Iowa, and also served the Des Moines based bank as executive vice president of sales, marketing, and office administration before its merger with Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo). She held various management and business development positions over a 17-year period with IBM, primarily in the Chicago area. At the beginning of her career, she was recruiting manager for the Internal Revenue Service from 1970-1973. Sunnie attended the Stonier Graduate School of Banking from 1993-1994. In 1968, she earned a bachelor of science degree from Loyola University, Chicago. Sunnie received this area's distinguished Women of Achievement award in 2002. She is past chairperson of United Way, the Greater Des Moines Partnership co-chair for Project Destiny, a member of the Airport board, and the Des Moines Metropolitan Opera board. She also currently serves on the board of directors of Simpson College. Sunnie has one son, Adam, and three stepsons Mike, Jeff, and David, from her marriage to Roger Brooks.
Jodi Urich, a lifelong resident of central Iowa, was elected to serve at-large on the Prairie Meadows Board in November 2005. Jodi is a regional and national art broker and she is the owner of Encore, a retail consignment shop for upscale furniture, artwork and jewelry. She also owns Jodi R. Urich Consulting, a designer of food product labels. A long time supporter of community betterment and fundraising activities, Jodi is currently involved in PEO, T.T.T., NARA, and The Des Moines Better Business Bureau. Previously, she owned Jodi's Art Gallery in Des Moines for more than 20 years. She also served five years as chairperson on the Polk County Conservation Board in which she oversaw budgeting, policy setting, fundraising and promotion of the County's parks system. As community communication coordinator, her work included grant writing and promoting awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jodi also served on the board of Jennifer Steensen Field of Dreams, a nonprofit organization designed to provide therapeutic horseback riding, and she was responsible for raising more than one million dollars to construct an indoor riding arena for special needs individuals. Jodi also previously directed, installed, operated, set financial goals, and recruited volunteers for the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop.
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