Central College Board of Trustees announces a new treasurer and elects five new members, 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.”
The new trustees all have deep Central ties.
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. Previously, he was a partner at De Waard and VanMaanen, pastor at Grace Fellowship, business manager for Pella Community Schools and former owner of ICE Technologies. De Waard lives in Pella with his wife, Wendy Staton De Waard, a 1991 Central graduate. They have three children, Joshua and Jacob De Waard, both 2017 Central graduates, and Jessica De Waard, a 2019 Central graduate. He served on the EAM Advisory Council for two years.
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, chairing the National Lieutenant Governors Association and leading initiatives such as Empower Rural Iowa. His public service also includes roles as State Public Defender and policy advisor for former Governor Terry Branstad. He lives in Urbandale, Iowa, with his wife, Cari Rehder Gregg, a 2007 Central graduate, and their children Jackson and Lauren.
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. Huitink serves as vice chair for Make-A-Wish Iowa and is on the executive committee for the Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance. He’s also on Iowa’s Access to Justice Commission. He has a law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. Huitink and his wife, Jenna Daale Huitink, a 2006 Central graduate, live in Pella with their four children, Thomas, Allie, Katelyn and Haley.
Sonia Parras Konrad, a Central international program alumna and attorney, owns Law Office of Sonia Parras. She studied at Central as an international language assistant in 1994, earning her Doctor of Law from Universidad de Derecho de Granada, Urbana University and Drake Law School. Konrad founded MUNA Legal Clinic, served as adjunct professor at Drake Law School, and co-founded ASISTA Immigrant Assistance and LUNA. She received the 2009 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award and 2021 Iowa State University Ivy College of Business’ Woman Business Owner of the Year award. She served on Central’s National Advisory Council since 2021. Konrad lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, with husband Mark Konrad, a 1994 Central graduate, and sons Alejandro and Fernando.
Carrie Mc Neese Valster, a 1996 Central graduate, is a senior vice president at ITA Group, where she oversees client services and award services. With more than 27 years of experience, she leads cross-functional teams that deliver engagement programs to diverse domestic and global clients. A committed community leader, she serves on the Junior Achievement of Central Iowa Executive Board and previously served on Central’s National Advisory Council. Valster lives in Pella with her husband, Michael Valster, a 1996 Central graduate. Their daughter, Kalin, lives in California, and their son, Cole, will attend Central this fall.
“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.
