Central College board of trustees has announced three new members: Dan De Cook, Tim Heerema and William Rankin. Board members provide vision for Central’s future and meet on campus twice each year.
“Our board represents a legacy of incredibly strong leadership,” said Central College President Mark Putnam. “As we add new members, they bring deep and abiding commitment to the college along with unique talents and perspectives that enable the board to do an outstanding job of leading this institution.”
“Bill, Dan and Tim are unwavering supporters of Central College and its mission,” said J. Lanier Little ’74, chairperson of the board. “Their experience and leadership will serve us well, and we are grateful for their commitments to serve.”
Dan De Cook also serves on Central’s National Advisory Council, Marion County Bank board of directors, Pella Plan Steering Committee, and Mark and Kay De Cook Foundation. He is married to Angela and is co-CEO of Heritage Lace with Tim Heerema. He and his brother also raise bison south of town. De Cook’s father Mark ’64 is former CEO of Heritage Lace and trustee emeritus of Central College.
Tim Heerema grew up in Pella and attended Central College for two years before transferring to Arizona State University. After graduation, he attended law school at the University of Iowa, earning his J.D. in 1992. Heerema returned to Pella and practiced law for five years before taking a position with Heritage Lace, where he is now co-CEO. Heerema has been married to Kelly (Huerter) since 1993, and the couple has two children.
Bill Rankin studied psychology at Central, served in the military and received his Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Washington State University in 1976. He worked for Battelle Seattle Research Centers and Boeing before starting his consulting firm. He has served on advisory councils for alcoholism and drug abuse, as well as Central’s National Advisory Council. Rankin has co-authored many books and articles, and he has frequently presented at international conferences. He is a third-generation Central graduate and married to Boeing engineer Lori Nakahara.