The Central College Board of Trustees announced a new treasurer and elected five new members, and terms began July 1. The trustees tapped Mike Van Voorst, 1993 Central graduate and current trustee, for treasurer. He recently retired as vice president and financial controller for Pella Corporation. He steps into the role following the retirement of Roger Brown, retired president and CEO of Precision Pulley and Idler, who has been granted trustee emeritus status.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented and energetic leaders to the board,” says Tej Dhawan, chair of the Board of Trustees, managing partner of 2946 Venture Fund and a 1991 Central graduate. “Their passion and commitment will help Central continue doing a world of good by preparing students to be engaged citizens and servant-leaders who make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.”
New trustees:
Roger De Waard, a 1990 Central graduate, is CEO and sole owner of Koopman Roofing, Inc. He became an owner of Hopkins Roofing, Inc., in 2015, and sole owner in 2023, before changing the name to Koopman Roofing in 2025.
Adam Gregg, a 2006 Central graduate, is the president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association. He served as Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor from 2017 to 2024.
Dan Huitink, a 2004 Central graduate, is vice president, general counsel and board secretary of Vermeer Corporation. He joined Vermeer in 2014 after working as an attorney in Arizona and an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Iowa.
Sonia Parras Konrad, a Central international program alumna and attorney, owns Law Office of Sonia Parras.
Carrie Mc Neese Valster, a 1996 Central graduate, is a senior vice president at ITA Group, where she oversees client services and award services.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have a board deeply committed to Central, drawing from diverse backgrounds and expertise,” says Central President Mark Putnam. “Our new trustees are talented and bring fresh perspectives that will continue to spark creativity within the board as we build the future at Central focused on the student experience.”
New faculty representatives on the Central Board are Erik Insko, professor of mathematics and computer science, and Tim Olin, associate professor of history. They join Anna Christensen, assistant professor of philosophy, Paulina Mena, Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities and professor of biology, and Mark Thomas, associate professor of philosophy.
Student representatives are Madison Craig, Class of 2026 biology major; Mya Ehresman, Class of 2026 business management and communications studies major; Cassandra Elliott, Class of 2026 psychology major; Elyse Shaw, class of 2027 English and political science major; and Parker Lawrence, Class of 2026 kinesiology major and student body president.