Strovers will lead Poweshiek Economic Development

GRINNELL — Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative announced a leadership transition this week. Melissa Strovers was appointed executive director, effective July 28.

Strovers succeeds Dan Nieland who is resigning.

Strovers currently serves as Poweshiek Development's board secretary. She brings extensive experience in collaborative community efforts, capacity building and non-profit work, Poweshiek Economic Development said in a press release.

Brian Manatt, Poweshiek Development board president said in the press release that he’s grateful for Nieland's contributions and is enthusiastic about Strovers' appointment.

As Poweshiek Development transitions to a new executive director, the organization is shifting its focus from building a foundational structure to expanding its roots, the organization said.

This new phase requires a leader who can provide longevity and consistency. Strovers, a resident of Poweshiek County for over two decades, has a deep personal investment in the area, having raised a family in Grinnell with her husband, Lance, owner of Strovers Chiropractic Care.

Their daughters, Maddy and Bailey, attend Grinnell College, and their son, Wolfgang, is set to marry this fall and continue to reside in Grinnell.

Strovers most recently served as the Director of Community Development at Grinnell College’s Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research for 13 years. In this role, she collaborated with numerous organizations and programs, including the Grinnell Education Partnership, AmeriCorps and Build a Better Grinnell.

Strovers has also led strategic planning efforts for organizations such as the Drake Community Library and Grinnell United Way.

Before her time at Grinnell College, Strovers served as the executive director of Imagine Grinnell where she focused on sustainability and quality of life issues. In 2024, Strovers was selected for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s Leadership Iowa program, which offers opportunities to learn alongside other community leaders about communities and counties similar to Poweshiek.

Strovers holds a master's degree in public administration from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Oklahoma Christian University.

To learn more about the Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, visit poweshiekdevelopment.com.