Joe Stever, President
Edward Jones Investments
Joe is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Fairfield, helping clients build long term strategies to achieve the goals that are most important to them. Joe and his family were born and raised in Fairfield and he is passionate about giving back to his community serving on numerous local boards and advisory committees.
Prior to his current profession as an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Joe worked within his families Waste and Recycling business in Fairfield as they partnered with local businesses and communities on environmental service solutions. Joe’s past and current professional experience has given him a broad perspective on the overlap between economic development and the prosperity and health of a community. These experiences have further reinforced his belief in the importance of relationships, giving back, and synergies between the success of local companies and the residents that live within
them.
Joe is an active member in his church and has most recently served with the Fairfield Kiwanis, Fairfield Public Library, Township Trustees and the Fairfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is married to his wife of over 20 years Joni and they have four children together. In his spare time, Joe enjoys hunting, boating, golf, travel, motor sports, reading, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and anytime spent with family.
Aaron Kness, Treasurer
President & CEO, Iowa State Bank & Trust Company of Fairfield
Aaron Kness has been President and CEO of Iowa State Bank & Trust Company in Fairfield, Iowa since 2013. He has been in the banking and financial services industry since 1996 and is a graduate of both University of Iowa’s College of Business and Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Aaron’s better half, Terri Kness, grew up in Fairfield and has worked in both the public and private sectors for many years. Their two boys are both active and participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Aaron grew up in northeast Iowa and his many passions include family, music, fitness, the outdoors, banking and community service. Involvement at both the local and state levels is of great importance. Over the years Aaron has served on a number of non-profit organizations’ boards and as a director for several for-profit companies as well. He feels these experiences have prepared him for his current role on the Grow Fairfield board of directors.
Nate Weaton
President & CEO of Weaton Companies
Nate Weaton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Weaton Companies, a Fairfield-based enterprise known for delivering manufacturing excellence through custom architectural products. Under Nate’s leadership, the company has become a trusted partner in transforming creative visions into reality, serving clients with integrity, innovation, and a people-centered approach.
Before founding Weaton Companies, Nate held executive roles at Dover Corporation, where he oversaw operations in Iowa and Virginia. His extensive experience in strategic direction and operational execution has positioned him as a respected leader in Iowa’s business community.
Nate is also deeply committed to public service and community development. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Finance Authority, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Little Superheros Foundation, and supports numerous charitable organizations both locally and statewide.
Nate and his wife, Lori, reside in Fairfield and are proud parents of five children.
Curtis Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Jefferson County Health Center
After joining the JCHC in 1990, Curtis Smith served as vice president ancillary services, out-patient director, emergency department manager, assistant emergency department manager, house supervisor of the emergency department, LPN in the emergency department, and nursing assistant. Curtis holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Indian Hills Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of Iowa, and is a registered nurse (RN). He is an Army National Guard Veteran, serving as a combat medic from 1989 to 1996. Curtis served on the Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders Board, Iowa Hospital Association Council on Education and Member Services, and Iowa Healthcare Collaborative’s Advisory Council.
Alissa Doyle Ward
Vice President, HR and Marketing, Iowa State Bank & Trust Company of Fairfield
Alissa is currently the Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing at Iowa State Bank. Alissa grew up in Fairfield, graduating from Fairfield High School. After graduation, she went on to the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, majoring in Marketing and International Business.
After finishing college, Alissa and her husband, Tai, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina and the Chicagoland area. Prior to returning to Fairfield, her career was in the Human Resources field, including positions as Regional Human Resources Manager for Einstein Bros. Bagels and then Jason’s Deli.
Coming back to Fairfield has been a great move for Alissa and Tai, who are the proud parents of two daughters, Elliott and Delaney. Returning to her hometown has allowed Alissa the opportunity to become active in the Fairfield community through involvement with many organizations, boards and clubs. She is an Ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors for the Fairfield Rotary Club, Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association and the Fairfield Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In her free time, Alissa enjoys watching her children’s sporting events, playing golf and cheering for the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes (especially when they are playing her husband’s team, the Iowa State Cyclones!).
Vanessa Willman
Attorney with Foss, Kuiken, Cochran & Helling P.C.
Vanessa Willman is a dedicated attorney serving Fairfield and Southeast Iowa, with a broad legal practice that includes business law, estate planning, family law, real estate, and tax matters. She is a valued member of the legal team at Foss, Kuiken, Cochran & Helling P.C., where she brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every case.
Vanessa earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Sociology from Bowling Green State University in 2008 and received her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011. She is licensed to practice law in Iowa and is an active member of both the Iowa State Bar Association and the Jefferson County Bar Association.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is deeply involved in the Fairfield community. She has served on the boards of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fairfield Public Library Foundation, and the Jefferson County Health Center Foundation. Her commitment to civic engagement and community development makes her a valuable asset to the Grow Fairfield board.
Originally from Westerville, Ohio, Vanessa now calls Fairfield home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, golfing, and cheering on her favorite football teams alongside her husband, Scott.
Tihomir Liptak
Founder, Bodhi Group, LLC
Tihomir Liptak is the founder of Bodhi Group, LLC, a next-generation growth and marketing agency based in Fairfield, Iowa known for its award-winning work in digital strategy, web development, and performance marketing. Since launching the company in 2021, Tihomir has served a portfolio of world-class clients while maintaining strong roots in the Fairfield community.
With a background in digital strategy, Tihomir brings a data-driven, results-oriented mindset to every project. His company is known for its Marketing Strategy and Leadership to scale brands from local to national and global markets.
Tihomir’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have made Bodhi a standout agency in the Midwest.
In addition, Tihomir is the Co-founder of Moonshot, a start-up studio. Tihomir also owns Boom Fitness in Fairfield and is a co-owner of Symmetry Music Festival that attracts nationwide visitors.
Roger Vorhies
Partner, Schaus-Vorhies Companies
COMMUNITY PARTNERS (EX-OFFICIOS)
Connie Boyer
Mayor of Fairfield
Connie Boyer grew up in Fairfield and is a sixth generation Jefferson County resident. She and husband, Bob, own Seven Roses Inn Bed and Breakfast in Fairfield. Connie worked at Iowa State Bank and parent company, Iowa State Financial Services Company in Fairfield for almost 24 years, retiring from banking in 2012 as CFO of Iowa State Financial Services Company. Connie graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Banking in 2000 and Financial Manager’s School in 2004. She currently works as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Connie Boyer served on City Council from 2003-2007 and 2011-2013, with the second term serving as Mayor Pro-Tem. She participated on the 10 Year Strategic Plan, Co-Chaired the Go Green Commission in 2009, served on the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center Board for 10 years, is a member of Rotary, serving as President two different times and is currently a member of the Fairfield Library Foundation Board and PEO Chapter MB.
Connie has twin daughters and five grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, reading non-fiction, golf and being with her grandchildren. If you would like to contact Mayor Boyer, please email mayor@fairfieldiowa.gov
Doug Reinert
City Administrator, City of Fairfield
Doug began his role as the City Administrator of Fairfield, IA in June 2023. Raised on a farm in Ellsworth, Kansas, Doug embarked on his public service career in 1992, immediately after high school. He earned a BA from Utah State University in 1998 and later an MPA from the University of Kansas in 2014. Throughout his career, Doug has held various positions. He served as a Wildland Fire Fighter for the United States Forest Service and a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Kansas Department of Transportation. Furthermore, he has experienced every level of municipal government, working roles from Operator and Supervisor to Department Head and now City Administrator. Doug’s family consists of his wife, Michelle, their three daughters – Maggie, Olivia, and Jillian, and two sons – Joe and Jeremy. Doug cherishes spending time with his family, exploring new cultures, appreciating the outdoors, and enjoying good food.
Joe Ledger
Jefferson County Supervisor
Joe Ledger is a newly elected Supervisor for Jefferson County, Iowa, bringing a strong commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and community development. As an ex officio member of the Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association board, Joe plays a key role in aligning county-level governance with regional economic growth initiatives.
A lifelong Iowan and active member of the Republican Party, Joe was elected to the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors in the November 2024 general election. In this role, he helps oversee county operations, budget planning, infrastructure development, and policy implementation that directly impact the quality of life for Jefferson County residents.
Joe brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to his work, with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. His presence on the Grow Fairfield board strengthens the connection between local government and the business community, ensuring that economic development efforts are inclusive, strategic, and community-driven.
John Morrissey
Legal Council
John was raised and educated in Black Hawk County, Iowa. After high School in Waterloo, he attended the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in History Pre-Law. John attended Iowa College of Law at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1971.
In 1973, after 32 months of Federal Defender work with South Dakota Indian Legal Services, John joined the firm Kelly & Morrissey in Fairfield, Iowa. John has maintained a private law practice ever since. His firm has always worked in trial and general practice, personal injury, commercial, probate, real estate, criminal and family law and has mentored more than 30 interns over the past 40 years. John was involved in County Attorney responsibilities for almost 18 years and has been Fairfield’s City Attorney since January 1991.
John has been behind the scenes in innumerable community organizations since the 1970s. He believes strongly in Fairfield’s greatest wealth – its Citizen Involvement. Every year he works with non-profits and tax-exempt organizations; Grow Fairfield has always been a favorite. He helped organize incorporate and gain tax status for the Greater Jefferson County Foundation in 1975 and similarly, Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association in 1977 and has stayed involved with both as General Counsel and sometimes Director, ever since. In the past ten years he has been part of organizing, and on the Board of Directors of, both the Fairfield Park and Recreation Foundation and the Carnegie Museum Foundation. He continues to stay involved with a multitude of other local and area civic groups.
“Fairfield and Jefferson County signify quality living, citizen friendliness and participation, intellectual stimulation, career enhancement and the best things for family living,” says John. John and his wife Nancy are pleased that three of their blended family of grown sons and daughters have preferred to reside in Fairfield and that it is always the “hometown” for the out-of-towners.
Zach Wigle
Superintendent, Fairfield Community School District
Wigle began as Fairfield Public School Superintendent on July 1, 2024 after nearly two decades serving in education across Iowa. He has held various administrative roles, including district activities director, intermediate school principal, special education director, and, most recently, high school principal in Solon, Iowa.
The Fairfield Public School community was presented with several excellent candidates in the search for the next superintendent. Zach Wigle stood out with his strong vision for the district’s future, impressing both the board and the 150 community members during his interviews. His selection was a result of a collective decision, reflecting the community’s desire to build on the district’s positive momentum.
During his tenure as high school principal at Keokuk CSD, he implemented strategies that significantly improved student outcomes, as evidenced by various metrics, including achievement data, dropout rates, and culture surveys. In Solon, Wigle spearheaded initiatives to enhance the district’s career and academic planning program, emphasizing the importance of the learning process at the secondary level and identifying essential skills for every graduate.
Wigle’s educational experience reflects his commitment to learning and leadership. He holds a master’s degree in education administration from Grand Canyon University, an advanced studies certification in superintendency from the University of Northern Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree from Luther College. His academic achievements are a testament to his dedication to the field of education.
“It is an honor to be selected as the next superintendent,” said Wigle. “My family and I hold a strong affinity for southeast Iowa and look forward to working alongside others who call this community home. I envision a future in which I can contribute to the growth and development of the Fairfield community.”
Terry Baker
Executive Director, Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
As the Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director, Terry Baker knows that the business of tourism is about more than handing out brochures or being a visitor center; it’s about careful management and marketing of the destination and its brand. Throughout her varied careers, Terry has developed three superpowers; idea synthesis, rapid learning and vision. Her goal is simple; to use placemaking and messaging to reinvigorate Fairfield and build a community that enhances the lives of its residents and visitors alike.
Contact Terry at: director@visitfairfieldiowa.com
Mendy McAdams
Executive Director, Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Mendy is passionate about serving her community and making a difference. She has experience in marketing, relationship building, and non-profits. She is high-energy and wants to see businesses succeed. She lives in What Cheer but LOVES Fairfield.