R.J. Baker, CEcD - Executive Director
Hired in May 2002, Mr. Baker is the first Executive Director of the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council. RJ has 11 years experience in the commercial and industrial real estate business in the Kansas City area. After six years as an economic development volunteer he entered the profession full time in 1990. R.J. attended Drake University and Kansas State University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma and the Community Development Course, Ball State University. R.J. completed the requirements for Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in 1996 and re-certified in 1999, 2002 and 2005.
Karen Linnenbrink - Director of Entrepreneur Programs
Karen Linnenbrink, formerly with the Rural Enterprise Assistance Program in Northeast Nebraska, has joined Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council as Director of Entrepreneur Programs. Karen has extensive experience working with start up businesses and small businesses in Nebraska. She served entrepreneurs in 20 counties for the past three years in her previous position. Karen is responsible for the entrepreneur education and support programs at EVEDC. Karen is a graduate of Western Iowa Tech Community College where she majored in Accounting and Business Law. Karen's professional training includes the Heartland Economic Development Course, The National Development Council Business Credit Analysis Course and Instructor Certification for NxLevel Business Education Course.
Monica Melcher - Administrative Assistant
Monica came to EVEDC in December of 2002. Ms. Melcher is a Madison County native graduating from Madison High School and from Northeast Community College with a major in Legal Office Technologies. Monica’s work experience includes Records Clerk for the Madison County District Court and two years law office experience. Monica is responsible for managing the capital campaign accounts receivable; the direct mail campaign and the newsletter, as well as, day to day internal operations. Monica's customer service skills, work ethic and computer skills are a great asset to EVEDC.
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