Breanna Horsey was named Executive Director of the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust in February 2023. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for sustainable land use and conservation to her role. As SILT’s first professional Executive Director, Breanna is committed to advancing SILT’s mission of protecting Iowa’s farmland for future generations.

Breanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a master’s in Organizational Development from Buena Vista University. Prior to leading SILT, she served as an Economic Development and Chamber Director of Storm Lake promoting local businesses and tourism. She also served as Urban Conservationist in Western Iowa, working to promote sustainable practices and improve water quality.

Her dedication to preserving Iowa’s natural resources and resilient food systems makes her a valuable asset to SILT. Under Breanna’s leadership, SILT continues to expand its impact through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and community engagement. She is passionate about connecting farmers, landowners, and conservationists to create a more sustainable and resilient Iowa.

Sophie Sheeder is the Events and Communications Coordinator for SILT. She graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Social Justice and a certification in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy. She is passionate about sustainability and environmentalism. In her free time, Sophie likes to read, crochet, and do her best not to kill her houseplants.

Kya is currently a first-year student studying at Cornell College for a degree in Conservation Biology. Her hometown of Nampa, Idaho ignited her interest in the environment and her extensive volunteering and academic experience that followed. With goals in improving land use, she aspires to gain experience and insight on how to communicate messages of sustainability to local communities.

Daryl comes to SILT with more than 3 decades of experience in conservation including 28 years as the Jackson County Conservation Director. He came out of retirement to continue his work improving Iowa’s landscape.

Daryl’s job, partly funded by American Rescue Plan dollars allocated by the County of Dubuque, includes the goal of establishing 14 permanent perennial food farms in the Dubuque watershed over the next 4 years.

Robyn Hepker is owner of Benson and Hepker Design in Iowa City. She was honored as one of Iowa City Downtown District’s Women of Impact in 2019. She can be contacted through her company’s website: http://bhdesign.com/

Experience: Retired Soil Conservationist at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service with 35 + years in ten different counties in resource land management and utilization for various sized agriculture operations. Background includes investigating, analyzing and advising customers on a variety of natural resources and environmental concerns in accordance with policy across Iowa. Julie is skilled in working with individuals and small groups in an office setting or in the field about soils, best management practices for soil, water, plants, air, animals, and humans, prescribed grazing systems, conservation planning, cultural recourse and watershed mitigation practices. Julie hold a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She has worked part-time as a contracted staff member since Oct 1, 2022 with SILT.

Kirt Manecke is the former Executive Director of a northern Michigan land conservancy. He is a fundraising consultant and award-winning author.

Katie Das graduated from Drake University in 2024 with a degree in Environmental Sustainability and Resilience and Law, Politics and Society. Although originally from Illinois, she fell in love with Iowa and its natural environment through the four years she spent serving on the executive council of Drake’s only environmental fraternity, Epsilon Eta. She spends her free time taking dance classes and caring for her two cats, Diglett and Zubat.

Lori Scovel grew up on a family farm in rural Delaware County, Iowa, where generations of her family had worked the land for over 100 years. That commitment to family, community and the rural lifestyle is what brought her and her husband back to Iowa to raise their family.

Prior to joining the SILT team as Regional Coordinator for Waterloo, Lori served as Executive Director for Limestone Bluffs Rural Conservation and Development, Watershed Coordinator with the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority and County Extension Director for ISU Extension and Outreach in Delaware County. With a background in education and experience with non-profit management and tourism, Lori loves to seek out projects that promote rural vitality. In support of this, she serves on a number of boards and committees.

In her spare time you might find Lori out in her garden as she has been a Master Gardener since 2009.

As Cedar Rapids Regional Coordinator, Kelly Ridenour-Giurato blends diverse experience with deep community commitment. Overcoming challenges early in life, she transitioned from finance to the nonprofit sector, notably aiding Iowa Veterans.

At Eat Greater Des Moines, Kelly directed the USDA-funded Regional Food Systems Partnership grant, showcasing strategic prowess and fostering organizational stability through turbulent times. With a comprehensive education spanning Business to Conservation Science and a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University, she’s well rounded and adept at navigating the complexities of this nuanced work.

At SILT, she serves not just as a Regional Coordinator but as a catalyst for change. Leveraging her insights, communication skills, and unwavering passion, she works to advance SILT’s mission of securing and preserving farmland for sustainable food production, while fostering equitable land access for future generations in Iowa. Engaged beyond her role, Kelly sits on the Linn County Food System Council and supports the Iowa Food Systems Coalition as an active participant.

Jada is a recent graduate of Grinnell College, majoring in economics. She is excited to work with SILT as the assistant farm coordinator, helping with easements, land donations, and report monitoring. She will also be assisting where she can with her Spanish skills. Jada is based in Afton, Iowa, working from her family’s century farm.