TEAM

This team supports business retention and growth, with the goal of strengthening Jefferson’s economic base.

Chair: Peg Raney

TEAM

From events like BRAG, Cruisin’ to the Square, and the Winter Festival, this group creates meaningful, memory-making events that drive foot traffic and foster pride.

Chair: Pete Bardole

TEAM

The Design Team enhances the physical appearance of downtown by leading beautification efforts, like seasonal planters, storefront enhancements, signage, and more.

Chair: Mike Palmer

TEAM

This team promotes small businesses and attractions, while coordinating retail events tied to our seasonal events throughout the year.

Chair: Bonnie Silbaugh

TEAM

This team brings public art into unexpected places and meaningful spaces, while also organizing events like Porch Fest and Ekphrasis, which make downtown more vibrant.

Chair: Deb McGinn

TEAM

The Organization Team supports fundraising, volunteer recruitment, strategic planning, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep Jefferson Matters running strong.

Chair: Bob Cisneros

PRESIDENT

Amy Milligan serves as President of Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for more than 10 years. She has served on both the Organization and Economic Vitality teams and enjoys seeing ideas turn into real projects that benefit the community. Amy describes Jefferson as a “hallmark” town and appreciates its charm, character, and sense of place. Over the years, her involvement has taken many forms, sometimes hands-on and sometimes behind the scenes. She continues to support Jefferson Matters because she believes in the ongoing work of the organization and its role in keeping Jefferson moving in the right direction. Her favorite Jefferson Matters event is the Bell Tower Festival.

VICE PRESIDENT

Kristin Russell has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over six years and serves on the Economic Vitality, Organization, and Tower View Team committees. She loves supporting local businesses and believes Jefferson is a community full of opportunities to give back. Kristin describes Jefferson as “progressive” and says her sense of servant leadership drives her to contribute wherever she can. Through her work with Tower View Team, Economic Vitality, and Organization, she has found her niche and feels she can make the biggest impact. Outside of her committee work, Kristin’s favorite Jefferson event is Porch Fest, where she enjoys celebrating local music and community spirit.

PAST PRESIDENT

Jamie served as president of Jefferson Matters from 2012 to 2023 and played a major role in shaping the organization into what it is today. As General Manager at Jefferson Telecom, Jamie brought steady leadership, big-picture thinking, and a constant flow of ideas that helped move Jefferson Matters forward. His direction and long-term commitment helped guide growth, strengthen partnerships, and set a strong foundation for future success. Jamie’s leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on downtown Jefferson and the community as a whole.

TRESURER

Zachary joined Jefferson Matters in 2025 and now serves as the organization’s treasurer. In his full-time role as an accountant at American Athletic, Inc. (AAI), Zachary brings strong financial knowledge and a sharp eye for detail. He’s already putting his professional skills to work to help support Jefferson Matters’ operations and long-term goals, and we’re grateful to have his expertise on the team as we continue moving the organization forward.

SECRETARY and CHAIR OF TOWER VIEW TEAM

Deb McGinn serves as Secretary for Jefferson Matters and Chair of the Tower View Team. She has been involved with Jefferson Matters for more than 10 years and has served on both the Promotions and Tower View teams. Deb’s favorite part of being involved is downtown beautification and seeing long-term projects come together. She describes Jefferson as “affordable” and values the opportunities that creates for growth and creativity. Deb believes Main Street Iowa provides a clear path for success and takes pride in the volunteer-driven work that helped Jefferson become a Great American Main Street community. Her favorite Jefferson Matters event is Porch Fest.

CHAIR OF ECONOMIC VITALITY

Peg Raney has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over 10 years, including serving as the organization’s former Executive Director. She currently chairs the Economic Vitality Team and has also contributed to the Tower View Team. Peg’s favorite part of being involved is supporting economic development and helping Jefferson grow and thrive. She describes Jefferson in one word as “pride” and continues her involvement to stay connected with the positive momentum of Jefferson Matters after retiring as director. Peg appreciates being able to work on projects that interest her while making a meaningful difference in the community. Outside of her committee work, her favorite Jefferson event is BRAG, where she enjoys celebrating local businesses and community achievements.

CHAIR OF ORGANIZATION

Bob Cisneros serves as the Chair of the Organization Team for Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for the past 1–2 years. He’s especially passionate about the role Jefferson Matters plays in supporting economic development and strengthening the local community. Bob describes Jefferson in one word as “charming,” and believes that small-town connections are a big part of what makes it special. He’s involved with Jefferson Matters because he wants to help promote community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to building a thriving environment for the town. When it comes to favorite events, Porch Fest tops his list as a perfect example of community, creativity, and connection coming together.

CHAIR OF EVENTS

Pete Bardole has been involved with Jefferson Matters for many years and currently serves as the Events Chair, while also sitting as the Greene County Board of Supervisors representative. Pete plays a big role in bringing some of Jefferson’s most-loved events to life, especially Cruisin' to the Square each August. He’s deeply community-driven and passionate about creating fun, local, and free events that bring people together and give everyone a reason to enjoy downtown Jefferson.

CHAIR OF DESIGN

Mike Palmer serves as Chair of the Jefferson Matters Design Team and has been involved with the committee for many years. As the former City Administrator, Mike brings valuable experience, steady leadership, and strong connections with the City of Jefferson, which are especially helpful when coordinating downtown projects and partnerships. From supporting the downtown planter program to helping move larger design initiatives forward, Mike is always willing to step in and lend a hand. His knowledge, leadership, and commitment continue to play an important role in making Jefferson’s downtown look and function its best.

CHAIR OF PROMOTIONS

Bonnie Silbaugh has been involved with Jefferson Matters for over six years and currently serves as Chair of the Promotions Team. She has also contributed on the Economic Vitality Team. Bonnie loves supporting local businesses and believes Jefferson is a community full of energy and fun. She describes Jefferson in one word as “fun” and is driven to stay involved because she values how Jefferson Matters shares the town’s story and brings people together. Through her work on the Promotions Team, she helps keep the community informed about events, activities, and opportunities to give back. Outside of her committee work, Bonnie’s favorite Jefferson event is the Bell Tower Festival, where she enjoys celebrating the town’s culture, creativity, and connection.

Board Member

Emily Dyer has been involved with Jefferson Matters for several years and is a familiar face at many of our events. She served on the Bell Tower Festival committee from 2020 to 2025 and has been part of the BRAG committee since 2022. Beyond committee work, Emily is an avid volunteer who steps in wherever help is needed to keep events running smoothly. She’s incredibly community driven and always willing to lend a hand to support Jefferson and its events.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Luke Winkleman is a Board Member at Large for Jefferson Matters and has been involved with the organization for the past 1–2 years. He first got connected by volunteering at a Jefferson Matters event, which led to continued involvement. Luke enjoys meeting new people and giving his time to projects that support the community. He describes Jefferson as “dynamic” and appreciates the energy and momentum happening around town. Luke believes that investing in a community’s vibrancy creates lasting impact and is proud to contribute to that vision. His favorite Jefferson event is the Bell Tower Festival.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Sara Huddleston joined the Jefferson Matters board in 2024 as a member at large. She is the Director of the Multicultural Family Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping newcomers succeed by connecting individuals and families with essential services and working alongside local businesses to support a growing workforce. With a diverse background in social services, education, business, government, and immigration-related work, Sara brings valuable insight, leadership, and strong connections to the board. Her perspective helps strengthen Jefferson Matters’ efforts to support a welcoming and inclusive community.