Our purpose is to support, promote, and preserve the historic downtown of Jefferson, while contributing to the greater community’s continued vitality.
Jefferson Matters
What is Jefferson Matters?
Jefferson Matters is a nonprofit Main Street community organization dedicated to strengthening downtown Jefferson. We focus on supporting local businesses, preserving our historic buildings, enhancing public spaces, and hosting events that bring people together.
Big ideas don’t have to be complicated to make a difference. Jefferson Matters focuses on thoughtful, practical ideas that lead to visible improvements and long-term momentum. From supporting local businesses and launching new events to investing in downtown beautification and public art, our work is meant to be felt and seen. Every project, big or small, is rooted in community input and carried out with local partners and volunteers. The result is a downtown that continues to grow, adapt, and reflect the people who call Jefferson home.
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Jefferson Matters supports, promotes, and preserves our historic downtown while helping strengthen the entire community. We work alongside new and existing businesses to support growth, encourage investment, and keep Jefferson’s economic base strong. We bring art, culture, and free community events to town that create energy and connection throughout the year. We lead downtown beautification efforts, from seasonal planters and storefront improvements to signage and public art. We also promote local businesses and attractions through coordinated retail events, marketing, and storytelling. Behind the scenes, we focus on fundraising, volunteer engagement, and strategic planning to keep this work moving forward.
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Our approach is community-driven and relationship-based. We follow the Main Street Approach by bringing together volunteers, businesses, and partners to focus on economic vitality, placemaking, promotion, and organization. We listen first, build on Jefferson’s existing strengths, and create opportunities that support long-term growth while still meeting day-to-day community needs. Collaboration is at the center of our work, whether that’s working with local businesses, coordinating volunteers, or partnering with regional organizations. Everything we do is guided by the goal of keeping downtown Jefferson active, welcoming, and resilient.
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Jefferson Matters is funded through a combination of public and private support. This includes funding from the City of Jefferson and the County, along with support from partners such as Grow Greene County Gaming, Home State Bank, and Jefferson Telecom. Our work is also made possible by the many individuals and businesses who invest in Jefferson Matters through our annual contribution drive. Together, these partnerships allow us to support downtown revitalization efforts, community events, and programs that benefit the entire community.
What is a Main Street Community?
Jefferson Matters is part of the Main Street America program, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening downtowns through preservation, economic development, and community engagement. Being a Main Street community means we use a proven framework to support local businesses, care for historic buildings, and create a vibrant downtown that serves everyone.
Art, History, Economic Development, and National Recognition
Jefferson is more than just buildings - it’s a place shaped by creativity, local investment, and the people who show up every day. This video highlights how placemaking through public art and murals has helped bring new energy to downtown, while also sharing stories directly from small business owners who call Jefferson home.
Jefferson’s story is rooted in history, strengthened by economic development, and driven by a community that believes in progress. This video explores how intentional investment, local leadership, and long-term planning have helped Jefferson grow while preserving what makes it unique.
Powered by Six Teams of Volunteers
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Economic Vitality
TEAM
This team supports business retention and growth, with the goal of strengthening Jefferson’s economic base.Chair: Jeff Lamoureux
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Events
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
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Design
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
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Promotions
TEAM
This team promotes small businesses and attractions, while coordinating retail events tied to our seasonal events throughout the year.Chair: Bonnie Silbaugh
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Tower View
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
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Organization
TEAM
The Organization Team supports fundraising, volunteer recruitment, strategic planning, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep Jefferson Matters running strong.
Chair: Bob Cisneros
Meet the Board Team
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Amy Milligan
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. -
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Kristin Russell
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. -
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Zac McLean
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. -
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Deb McGinn
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 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. -
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Bob Cisneros
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. -
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Jeff Lamoureux
CHAIR OF ECONOMIC VITALITY
Some people may know him as “Jeff from Jefferson,” but as of May 2026, he’s also the new Jefferson Matters Economic Vitality Chair. Jeff Lamoureux recently joined the Economic Vitality Team after becoming the new Greene County ISU Extension Director. Jeff has long been involved in the community through leadership roles with Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity, the cities of Jefferson and Perry Parks and Recreation Departments, and the Greene County Extension Council. As someone who has spent years investing in community growth, recreation, and local partnerships, Jeff brings a strong understanding of what helps communities stay active, connected, and moving forward.
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Pete Bardole
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. -
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Mike Palmer
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. -
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Bonnie Silbaugh
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. -
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Emily Dyer
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. -
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Sara Huddleston
BOARD MEMBER
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. -
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Chad Stevens
BOARD MEMBER
Chad Stevens serves as Jefferson’s Building and Zoning Official and brings an important City perspective to the Jefferson Matters Board. In his role, he works closely with property owners and contractors, giving him a front-row seat to new businesses opening and renovation projects taking shape. His favorite part of the job is seeing downtown buildings being repaired and restored, especially when older spaces are given new life. Chad’s involvement on the board helps strengthen communication between Jefferson Matters and the City when discussing building improvements and development. His knowledge and experience are valuable as we continue supporting thoughtful growth and investment throughout the community.
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Philip Heisterkamp
BOARD MEMBER / BELL TOWER FESTIVAL CHAIR
Philip Heisterkamp has been involved with Jefferson Matters for many years, volunteering his time and energy across numerous events. Most notably, he has served as Chair of the Bell Tower Festival since 2020, helping grow the festival in meaningful and impressive ways. Under his leadership, the event has continued to expand, evolve, and draw strong community participation. Philip serves as an important connection between the festival team and the Jefferson Matters Board, providing updates, identifying where support is needed, and helping keep momentum strong. In addition to the Bell Tower Festival, he has also supported the Winter Festival and other fundraising efforts that help sustain one of Jefferson’s most recognized events.
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Luke Winkleman
EX-EFFICIO
Luke Winkleman is an ex-efficio board member 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.
The Office Team
Matt Wetrich
Matt has served as Executive Director of Jefferson Matters since 2022. In this role, he works closely with the board, committees, businesses, and partners to help move projects forward and keep long-term goals on track. He brings steady leadership and a strong focus on collaboration. Matt is committed to building momentum and strengthening Jefferson’s future.
Executive Director
Kevin Paulsen
Kevin joined Jefferson Matters as Office Coordinator in November 2024 after a 32-year career as an elementary school teacher. His experience in education shows in the way he connects with people and keeps things organized and on track. Kevin supports daily operations, assists with tours, and helps ensure events and projects run smoothly. His positive attitude and attention to detail are a valuable addition to the team.
Office Coordinator
Emily has served as Community Engagement Coordinator since November 2024, after previously working as Tourism and Events Coordinator from May to November 2024. Before joining the team full time, she was involved with Jefferson Matters through the Organization Team, Winter Festival, and Bell Tower Festival. In her current role, she focuses on marketing, promoting Jefferson, and community storytelling. Emily is passionate about highlighting the people, businesses, and events that make Jefferson special.
Community Engagement Coordinator