Board of Trustees

Member since 2011
Spouse: Laura
B.S., University of Notre Dame
M.B.A., Indiana University
Senior Vice President and CFO,
Acura Pharmaceuticals Inc., Palatine, IL (retired)

Peter Clemens serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Upper Iowa University, a role he holds through June 30, 2029. He has been a member of the UIU Board of Trustees since 2011 and previously served as Vice Chair from July 2021 through June 30, 2025.

Clemens holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

His professional career spans more than four decades in financial and executive leadership, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly held drug development company focused on abuse-deterrent opioids, where he served from 1998 until his retirement in 2024.

Earlier in his career, Clemens held several leadership roles at TC Manufacturing, a diversified organization with subsidiaries in pharmaceuticals, plastics, and industrial pipe coatings, ultimately serving as President of the company. A Certified Public Accountant, he also worked with international public accounting firms managing audits for both public and private entities.

Clemens resides in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, with his wife, Laura, and is the proud father of two children, Jessica and Jake, and grandfather to June, Stella Mae, Penelope, and Daisy. He brings extensive financial expertise and executive leadership experience to his service on behalf of Upper Iowa University.

Member since 2015
M.B.A., Upper Iowa University

Mary Cheddie, SHRM-SCP is a passionate Executive leader with an extensive background in the public, private, family, and non-profit sectors globally.

Mary “retired” from SHRM in 2025 after serving as Divisional Director, Membership responsible for 37 states and islands. During her tenure, a 74% growth was achieved. Cheddie was also a member of the SHRM I&D Council and a SHRM Ambassador. She was responsible for the relaunch of the new SHRMConnect (the member-to-member networking platform), and the implementation of the SHRM ENConnect (executive network member-to-member networking platform), led SHRM’s Together Forward at Work Taskforce and led many other multi-departmental initiatives. She was responsible for the development of SHRM’s Workplace Civility Handbook. Cheddie is also a highly sought after speaker where she speaks on leadership, empathy, inclusion, AI, analytics, and transformation.

Prior to SHRM Cheddie has more than 35 years of senior executive suite level domestic and international experience in all aspects of human resources and training. She has extensive experience with strategic planning, M&As, IPOs, AI, and in starting and turning around businesses.

She serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees for Upper Iowa University. Cheddie also Chaired the Keiser Career College’s Advisory Board, was a member of the Board of Directors for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) from 2003-2008 and chaired SHRM’s governance and compensation committees and was President of Dallas HR, one of SHRM’s largest affiliates (2000). Cheddie has been a SHRM member for more than 40 years and volunteer leader for more than 35 years at the national, regional, state, and local levels and upon her retirement was granted the prestigious honor of Lifetime SHRM member by the SHRM Board of Directors. She earned her MBA from Upper Iowa University, a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, and Associate of Arts degree from Waldorf University in Forest City, IA, and is certified as a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional. Mary and her beloved husband reside in SW Florida.

Member since 2015
Spouse: Heidi
B.A., Upper Iowa University
M.S., American College
Owner, Financial Decisions Group, Oelwein, IA

Neil Wilkinson graduated from UIU in 2000 Cum Laude with a BA in Finance and a BA in Business Management.  He continued his education with a Masters in Science and Financial Services from the American College, along with several industry designations (CHFC, CLU, LUTCF).  Neil is the owner of Financial Decisions Group, located in Oelwein, IA.
 
Neil has received a Community Service award from his peers for his current and past involvement in the community, which includes being actively involved at his Church, past Oelwein Chamber & Area Development President, Rotary member & past President, NAIFA Iowa past President, Security Mutual Insurance board Chairman, and has been on the UIU Board since 2015, currently on the Executive Committee.
 
Achievements include receiving the UIU Young Alumni Award in 2006, the NAIFA Iowa 4 under 40 Award in 2013, and qualifying for MDRT 24 out of 25 years with 12 COT qualifications & 5 Top of the Table qualifications.

Neil and his wife, Heidi, reside in Fairbank, IA with their two sons, Tate and Cael.

Member since 2010
Spouse: Christine
B.A., Macalester College
Vice President of Client Development
Automated Member Services, Minneapolis, MN

Automated Member Services (AMS) is involved in Internet-based retailing, specializing in gift registry and electronic coupons. Prior to joining AMS, Andres was president of Twin City Marketing for 13 years, a marketing and sales organization. His previous work history also includes nine years as Senior Buyer at Target Corporation (formerly Dayton Hudson Corporation). Prior to Target, Andres worked in key marketing and merchandising positions with specialty retailers and department stores.

Member since 2016
B.S., Upper Iowa University
M.S., Drake University
Executive Advisor, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Nancy Betz serves as an Executive Advisor for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where she works with Chief Human Resources Officers across the United States. She brings more than 30 years of domestic and international human resources leadership experience across financial services, agriculture, and global organizations.

Prior to joining SHRM, Nancy served as Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, a member-owned cooperative providing funding solutions and liquidity to more than 1,400 financial institutions in support of mortgage lending, economic development, and affordable housing. In this role, she was responsible for enterprise leadership of Human Resources, Diversity, Facilities, Business Continuity, and Employee Communications. She retired from the Bank in 2021.

Earlier in her career, Nancy held senior human resources leadership roles at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and DuPont Pioneer. At DuPont Pioneer, she supported global sales and marketing organizations and led corporate learning and development initiatives. Throughout her career, Nancy has been recognized for aligning human capital and workforce strategies with business objectives to drive organizational performance.

Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Upper Iowa University and a Master of Science degree from Drake University. She remains actively engaged in her community and has served in leadership roles on a variety of nonprofit and advisory boards.

Member since 1993
Spouse: Deanna
B.S., Upper Iowa University
M.A., University of Iowa
Financial consultant
Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Des Moines

Cook is currently a financial consultant and serves on the board of a number of organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Lifespace, Inc., the Serra Club of Des Moines, and the finance committee of Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Cook joined Deloitte & Touche in 1981 and served as an audit partner with this international professional services firm until his retirement in 2002. Prior to Deloitte & Touche, he worked for United Suppliers, Inc. from 1976-81, serving as executive vice-president the last two years. Cook’s professional accounting career began in the Des Moines offices of Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery in 1967, where he advanced from staff accountant to senior manager in the Audit Department.

During his professional career, Cook was actively involved within the accounting profession, serving as president of the Des Moines Chapter of NAA, president of the Iowa Society of CPAs, and Iowa’s representative to the American Institute of CPA’s Council. He was also actively involved in the Des Moines community and a member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines, Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Des Moines Club, and Wakonda Country Club.

Member since 2017
COO, and AVP, Development and Alumni Engagement, The New School, New York
B.S., Nova Southeastern University
EMPA, American University

Josem is the Chief Operating Officer for Development and Alumni Engagement at The New School in New York City, where he leads operational strategy, infrastructure, and integrated advancement services that support the institution’s fundraising and alumni relations efforts. In this capacity, Diaz oversees the implementation of best-in-class systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration to drive sustainable philanthropic growth and deepen alumni engagement.

Previously, Diaz served as the COO and Vice President for Global Development Operations at the United Service Organizations (USO), where he was responsible for strategic management of operations, fundraising channels, revenue systems, investments, and enterprise technology that supported the USO’s global development programs.

With over 20 years of experience in development, higher education, and operational leadership, Diaz has a proven record of campaign readiness, strategic planning, and driving operational efficiency. His leadership has consistently enabled teams to exceed performance benchmarks and deliver transformational results.

Earlier in his career, Diaz was Vice President for College Advancement and Chief Development Officer at Eureka College, where he was responsible for the institution’s financial growth, capital expansion, and engagement of philanthropic constituencies. He also served as Assistant Vice President and Advancement Chief Operations Officer at Yeshiva University, leading administrative and operational support for all development initiatives. Before that, he was Assistant Vice President for Advancement Operations at American University, where he led the onboarding of a new university president and spearheaded campaign readiness planning for AU’s historic fundraising effort.

He holds a B.S. in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Public Administration in Leadership at American University.

A native of Miami Beach, Florida, Diaz now resides in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife, Brittany, and their daughter, Olivia.

Member since 2005
B.B.A., University of Iowa
M.B.S., University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
Managing Director, The PrivateBank, Minneapolis

Falb leads The PrivateBank’s Midwest Region which includes regional offices in Minneapolis, MN, Des Moines, IA and Denver, Colorado which develop corporate banking relationships throughout nine states. Falb leads and manages teams of banking/finance professionals focused on relationship based corporate banking, advising middle market companies regarding appropriate capital structures and financing solutions driven by merger and acquisition transactions, private equity and leveraged buyout transactions, recapitalizations and organic growth strategies. The PrivateBank provides the senior debt portion of the applicable capital structures, and also a broad array of capital markets, private banking, treasury management and other services and products to its clients.

In addition to Upper Iowa, Falb is a member of the Board of Directors of Northern Star Council, among the largest scouting organizations in the United States. Most recently, Falb was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin.

Member since 2019
B.A., Upper Iowa University
M.S.S.M., University of Southern California
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and Military Relocation Specialist (MRPP)
Liz Moore & Associates
Newport News, Virginia

Joseph grew up in Fayette and has a long history with Upper Iowa. Her family’s UIU legacy started with her parents Mary Kimball ’56 and Don Kimball ’64. In addition to herself, the list of Peacock graduates include Joseph’s husband, both her sisters, her daughter, and numerous other family members.

Joseph was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army after participating in the University’s ROTC program. She served the next 30 years in the Army, achieving the rank of colonel and retired in 2012. Joseph served in numerous command and staff positions during her military service, including battalion commander, 95th Adjutant General Battalion, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Chief, Plans & Policy Division in United States Army Europe, G1, Heidelberg, Germany; G1, United States Army Cadet Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia; Adjutant General, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

After her military retirement, Joseph received her Virginia real estate license. Employed with Liz Moore & Associates for the past 13 years, she has been named a Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors award winner for numerous years.

Joseph served as the UIU Alumni Association Board vice president from 2015-17 and president from 2017-2019. She has also served as the UIU Tri-State Chapter vice president from 2015-2019. Joseph participated in RAGBRAI with Team Peacock in 2018 and 2019, raising money for the Mary E. Kimball Scholarship Fund.

Member since 2012
B.A., Upper Iowa University
DPM, Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine
Podiatrist, Winnetka, Illinois (Retired)

Dr. Lawson is a 1970 graduate of Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Following completion of her degree, she served as an assistant residence hall director at Boston University in Boston, MA.

Dr. Lawson attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine (now Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science) from 1977–1981 and received her Doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine.

She is a member of the National Podiatric Medical Association and has served on the board from 1983–1985. She has been involved in the Women’s Chicago Urban League and was a board member from 2001–2008. Dr. Lawson also served as a clinical professor at Scholl College of Podiatry in Chicago, Illinois, from 1985–1987.

Dr. Lawson retired in December 2025 after more than four decades of dedicated service to her patients and profession. She resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Member since 2009, past chair
Spouse: Barbara (Bobbi)
B.A., Upper Iowa University
M.A., Northwestern University
President and CEO, Lebin Financial Management, Inc., and Managed Economics for Doctors, Inc., Geneva, IL.

Lebin, RFC, has been working exclusively with high-net-worth individuals for 26 years. His expertise as a planner and educator is sought after throughout the financial services industry, and Lebin has presented motivational seminars throughout the United States using both photography and magic as a technique to delve into some of the issues that are a part of people’s lives.

Lebin is a member of the Financial Planning Association; the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; and the Illinois Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is also a qualifying Quarter of the Table member of the Million Dollar Roundtable; a member of the Boston Legacy planning group; serves on the K2 advisory board; and is also a member of the Legacy Editorial Committee, writing a book about the new paradigm and process to create effective financial and life plans.

Lebin is involved in many activities, both nationally and locally. He is the past-president of the Geneva Lions Club International; served on the financial advisory committee of the Geneva School District; was an elected member of the Board of Education; past president of the Illinois Theatre Association; the current chairman of the board of directors of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce; the chair for the Membership Services of the Million Dollar Round Table annual meeting in Atlanta, GA; president of the Circle of Honor Society of Transamerica Financial Advisors; on the advisory board of the Dupage Family Services for abused women and children; a gold knight of the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation; a foundation fellow of the Illinois Lion’s Foundation; and a platinum level member of the Circle of Honor Society Foundation.

Lebin has received many awards, including the Illinois Theatre Association Award of Honor; the 25th recipient of the Geneva Wood Award in 2008 for outstanding contributions to the community of Geneva; and the Jack Kenny Entrepreneurial Achievement award from ORBA, a producers group representing outstanding advisors across the USA. He also received the UIU Community Alumni award in 2004.

Member since 2024
B.S., Upper Iowa University
J.D., Drake University Law School
Corporate Counsel, Des Moines, IA

Jeremy Masterson is Corporate Counsel for a 200 person national architecture firm that specializes in architecture, structural engineering, and community/interior design. In his role, he provides advice and counsel to team members, the board of directors, and corporate teams on various legal topics and needs and is responsible for contract negotiations, compliance, policies and procedures, corporate governance, claim/risk management, and oversight of outside counsel.

He graduated Suma Cum Laude from Upper Iowa University in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Finance and earned his law degree from Drake University Law School in 2012. He also served in the Iowa Army National Guard where he deployed to Kosovo in 2003 and following eight years of military service was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 2011.

Prior to his current role he established a law firm with a fellow classmate in 2013, where his practice consisted of business and transactional law, corporate governance, and succession planning . Following eight years of successful operation, he moved his practice to a larger firm in downtown Des Moines before transitioning to his current role in 2023.

Member since 2005, past chair
B.S., Upper Iowa University
Executive Vice President and CEO, Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO), Cedar Rapids (retired)

Murdock has 48 years of experience in the electric utility industry at CIPCO, with responsibilities in accounting, finance, contracts, and power supply, and a broad range of experience working with community leaders across the CIPCO service territory, stretching  from the Mississippi River on the eastern border of the state to nearly Missouri and Nebraska on the southwestern border.

Murdock’s list of affiliations includes member of the board of managers of the Iowa Community Development, LC; member of board of directors and chairman of CMA Ventures; member of board of directors and chairman of the Iowa Area Development Group; Chair of the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation; member of board of directors of Hawkeye Insurance Association; member of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives Health Care Plan Board of Directors; member of the board of directors and chairman of Capital Management Associates; member of the board of directors of Iowa Association of Business and Industry and has served on the Executive Committee of ABI; and chairman of the UIU Board of Trustees; and member of ACES Board of Managers.

Member since 2015
Spouse: Sandra
B.S. Upper Iowa University
Account Executive, Amazon Web Services

Mike Prochaska graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. While at Upper Iowa, Mike was a member of the Peacock baseball and golf teams, was a student assistant on the men’s basketball team, and active in many school activities. Upon graduating from Upper Iowa, Mike started working at IBM in Rochester, MN, as a microcode developer. Mike was at IBM for 29 years and has held a variety of technical, technical management, and executive roles. He is currently working for Amazon Web Services as an Account Executive.

Mike is active in his community. He coached youth sports for 21 years, has served on the Olmsted County United Way campaign board for 3 years, was the IBM Rochester site executive leader for IBM’s Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign for three years, a volunteer for Engineers Week for over 15 years, and served on the football, baseball, and wrestling booster clubs for the local high school. Mike has been on the Upper Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame board for over 25 years and is currently the chair. He regularly attends Upper Iowa athletic events, has spoken at Upper Iowa career days, and has hosted students from Upper Iowa while at IBM.

Mike has been married 36 years to Sandra and they reside in Stewartville, MN. They have three grown children, Allyson, Ryne, and Tanner who was a 2021 UIU graduate and a member of the wrestling team. They also have three grandchildren.

Member since 2021
B.S., M.B.A. Upper Iowa University
Chief Executive Officer, Lourdes Health

Brian Sims is a distinguished healthcare executive who has served communities in Iowa, Oregon, and now Washington. An Air Force veteran, Brian is an award-winning health professions recruiter and leader.

Brian has served several hospitals in an executive role to include Knoxville Hospital & Clinics in Knoxville, Iowa, Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa, Good Shepherd Healthcare System in Hermiston, OR, and now Lourdes Health in Pasco, WA

Brian holds an undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa University, with disciplines in human resources management and finance. He furthered his education by earning an MBA with an emphasis in organizational development. Brian is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Brian has served the Chamber of Commerce in Knoxville IA, Chariton, IA and Hermiston, OR to include President and other executive roles for the Chariton Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Organization. Brian has also served as vice chair and treasurer for the Lucas County Economic Development Corporation, President of the Rotary Club of Chariton, IA., and numerous leadership roles within the Iowa Hospital Association. Brian currently serves Upper Iowa University as a Trustees.

Brian loves to golf and is an amateur photographer. Some of his work has been showcased at the Iowa State Fair for two years running. Brian has been married to his amazing wife Traci for 30 years. They have four children and four grandchildren.

Member since 2021
B.A., Upper Iowa University

Graduating summa cum laude while earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting at UIU, the CPA began his career with the professional audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG. Vaudt served as an audit partner until his retirement in 2001 at which time he sought elective office as Iowa’s Auditor of State. Vaudt was elected Auditor of State three times before resigning his position in 2013 upon his appointment as chairman of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board in Norwalk, Connecticut. Shortly after his seven-year term ended in June 2020, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In 2025, he was appointed to the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.

Vaudt has served on the boards of numerous professional associations and civic organizations including the CPA Examination Review Board, Young Women’s Resource Center, Des Moines Public Schools Audit Committee, and the Iowa Supreme Court Client Security and Attorney Disciplinary Commission. He has also provided leadership as the chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, National State Auditors Association, Better Business Bureau of Iowa, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, and the Morris Scholarship Fund.

Member since 2024
B.A., Upper Iowa University
J.D., Loyola University of Chicago
Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, Chicago, IL.

La’Mont Williams is currently the Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry. As Chief of Staff and General Counsel, La’Mont is responsible for managing Commissioner Lowry’s staff, day-to-day operations of Commissioner Lowry’s office, and lead Commissioner Lowry’s policy initiatives and legislative agenda. La’Mont worked with Commissioner Lowry to successfully draft and pass the Good Faith Effort Transparency Report Ordinance, aimed at addressing waiver issues regarding minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises; the Cook County Cannabis Commission Ordinance, which allows Cook County to utilize cannabis subject matter experts to proactively address the cannabis industry and its effects on Cook County residents; and the Cook County Cannabis Business Development Fund – Pilot Program, a small business initiative, which will grant County funds to social equity applicant cannabis businesses operating in Cook County. Prior to becoming Commissioner Lowry’s Chief of Staff and General Counsel, La’Mont worked as an associate attorney with Nyhan Bambrick Kinzie & Lowry, P.C. focusing his law practice on federal, state, and local governmental issues, worker’s compensation defense and civil litigation. He represented clients in matters before the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois, the Cook County Circuit Court, and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

La’Mont is an active volunteer in his community. La’Mont currently serves as an active board member for the Grant Park Music Festival. La’Mont is also a member of the Chicago Assembly. La’Mont previously served as both a tutor and board member for Minority Legal Education Resources, Inc., and continues to guest speak and tutor on behalf of the organization. La’Mont is also a past recipient of Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Norman C. Amaker Award of Excellence (2020) and the Donald L Hollowell Distinguished Service Award (2024). While attending law school at Loyola University Chicago, La’Mont volunteered with First Defense Legal Aid to conduct “Know Your Rights” seminars for high school and middle school children, as well as, community members. La’Mont spoke with students all over the South and West sides of the city, from Ashburn/Wrightwood to Austin and North Lawndale. La’Mont also led several volunteer services trips to Flint, Michigan to assist with the ongoing water crisis and participated for four days in the Standing Rock, North Dakota protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline entering sacred Native American land. La’Mont continues to mentor and coach the youth throughout his community.

La’Mont attended Lincoln Park high school in Chicago Illinois, successfully completing the International Baccalaureate program. La’Mont attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa achieving a B.A. in Criminology with minors in history and political science. La’Mont attended Loyola University of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, earning his J.D. During law school and immediately upon graduation, La’Mont taught Trial Practice I Applied and served as one of the coaches for Loyola’s BLSA Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial team, now known as the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial team. Loyola’s Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial team comprises of students of color who are members of the Black Law Student Association – Loyola chapter.

Member since 2018
B.S., Upper Iowa University
M.S. Truman State University
Safety Director, Rogers Concrete

Lowell Tiedt graduated from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education/elementary education. He later attained a Master of Science degree from Truman State University in 1979. In addition to serving over 32 years with Cedar Rapids Community Schools, he served nearly 39 years with the Iowa Army National Guard where he retired as a command sergeant major (CSM). The longtime educator is a past president of Anamosa Community Schools.

His community service is widely recognized in Jones County, where he has volunteered for a combined 70-plus years as Great Jones County Fair president, and as a member of the Jones County Land Use Board, Jones County Extension Board, Jones County Youth Committee Board and Jones County Cattlemen Association. A 15-year member of the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Tiedt is also serving as one of the Iowa State Fair 4-H Beef superintendents. He is currently employed as safety director for Rogers Concrete in Anamosa.

Business entrepreneur and start-up expert, working with various businesses looking to expand in the Cedar Rapids area

Smith’s past positions include teaching in the Maquoketa Valley Schools and engineering positions at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA, and for McDonnell Aircraft, where he worked on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. He has also worked with projects involving computer memory fabrication techniques.