Staff
The CCCB employs four full-time staff, as well as up to four summer aides. Staff are chosen based on their experience and education, their ability to work with the public, and their desire to keep Cherokee County's parks in excellent condition. The staff makes environmental education a priority, and has the knowledge and experience to answer many questions about the parks, local wildlife, plants and natural history.

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Laura Jones, Director/Naturalist [email protected]

Laura received her B.S. in Zoology and Animal Ecology from Iowa State University in 2006.
She previously worked with HawkWatch International in Salt Lake City, UT and as a Naturalist at two state parks in ND.

​Laura began working as CCCB's full-time Naturalist in April 2012 and became Director in May 2021.

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Brett James, Operations Supervisor, [email protected]

Brett worked for Accura Healthcare before coming to the CCCB. He graduated from Washington High School, then went to Northwest Iowa Community College to obtain a degree in Auto Body Repair.  Previous job experience includes construction, heating and cooling, and general maintenance.

Brett has been employed full-time with the CCCB since April 2021.

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Hannah Nelson, Office/Naturalist Assistant, [email protected]

Hannah graduated from Alta-Aurelia  in 2016, then received her A.A. in Business Administration at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Prior to joining us in September 2021, she worked for Cherokee State Bank in Accounting/Operations.

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Jon Welch, Conservation Technician

Jon worked for the Cherokee Regional Medical Center before coming to the CCCB. He has experience in building and equipment maintenance as well as.
customer service.

Jon has been employed full-time with us since April 2024.

Cherokee County Conservation Board
629 River Rd
Cherokee, IA 51012
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:30pm
Phone: 712-225-6709
E-mail: [email protected]
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