Executive Director

(712) 490-1618

mohman@siouxlandship.org

Matt Ohman is the Executive Director of SHIP. He is responsible for the management, guidance and direction of all programs and services provided by and authorized by SHIP. Matt is a lifelong Sioux City resident, graduating from East High School in 1996 and from Morningside College in 2000 with a degree in mass communication and business. He worked as an account executive at Cable One Advertising for six years prior to coming to SHIP in 2006. His role at SHIP from 2006 – 2012 was as a contract coordinator and Early Childhood Iowa Director. In 2012, Matt became the organization's Executive Director.Matt finds working at SHIP an enjoyable and satisfying experience because the organization positively impacts people's lives. Matt resides in Morningside with his two children, Mia and Jack.

SHIP Programs Director

(712) 253-7887

erin@siouxlandship.org

Erin McLarty is SHIP's Programs Director. Her responsibilities include DCAT, CPPC, ICAPP and federal program coordination. Her primary duties are contract writing, facilitation of both Board and community meetings and reporting to state and federal officials on program progress. Erin is also part of the SHIP Leadership team. She joined SHIP in November 2006. Erin graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication. Prior to her employment with SHIP she worked in customer service oriented positions. Erin resides in Sioux City, Iowa and is the proud mother of 3 beautiful children.

Government Relations / Advocacy & Early Childhood Director

(712)-574-2793

khall@siouxlandship.org

Kerri Hall has served as SHIP's Early Childhood Iowa Director since 2015. She works closely with early childhood stakeholders and providers in both Ida and Woodbury counties to ensure that all families with children 0-5 in our communities have access to quality services. In 2023, Kerri was promoted to also serve as SHIP’s Government Relations and Advocacy Director. She has worked for and with many non-profits across the United States. Born and raised in Sioux City, and after living in Phoenix, Arizona and New York City, Kerri moved back to the area and started a family. Kerri resides in Sioux City with her children. She is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross and enjoys golfing and spending time with her family.

Finance Director

813-388-7301

Mindy joined SHIP as the Finance Director on May 1, 2023. She was born and raised in Ohio but has been around the Midwest most of her life. She graduated from Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio with a Business Management degree. She then received her MBA from Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, Florida while working full-time and raising two children in 2006. Mindy moved to South Dakota in 2008 and worked at the University of South Dakota from 2008 until 2022. She resides in Vermillion, South Dakota with her two children, Roz and Bailey.

Growing Community Connections Director

(712) 223-9614

jgieselman@siouxlandship.org

JoAnn Gieselman is the Director for Growing Community Connections with Siouxland Human Investment Partnership. JoAnn’s primary responsibility as the Growing Community Connections Directory is to support agencies and individuals in our community in ways that they can collectively work together to address our community’s needs. JoAnn Gieselman graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1980. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career JoAnn has taken additional graduate courses in Behavioral Disabilities and Social work from both the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa. JoAnn has been an active part of Growing Community Connections since it’s conception and truly enjoys the wonderful opportunity she has to work with the many industries and inspirational individuals and agencies in our area.

Accountant

(605) 760-9287

tnielsen@siouxlandship.org

Tami Nielsen is an Accountant for Siouxland Human Investment Partnership. She Joined SHIP in June 2021. She is responsible for general accounting functions including budgets, financial reports and audit compliance. Tami graduated from Minnesota West Community College and attended Southern New Hampshire University. Tami has over 16 years of non-profit accounting experience. She resides in Sioux City and has two adult daughters, Erin and Alison. In her spare time, Tami enjoys fishing, crafting, woodworking and volunteering.

Accountant

712-490-4610

Kbrown@siouxlandship.org

Kimberly Brown is an Accountant for Siouxland Human Investment Partnership.

She joined SHIP in August 2014, under the Beyond The Bell program as Accounts Receivable/Payable.  After several years with Beyond The Bell she joined the SHIP Accounting Team in March 2024.  She is responsible for general accounting functions including budgets, financial reports and audit compliance.  Kim is a lifelong resident of Sioux City.

Beyond the Bell Director of Development

712-202-3543

jandrews@siouxlandship.org

Jenna Andrews is the Director of Development for Beyond the Bell, where she is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth through high quality afterschool programs. A passionate advocate for education and youth development, she was named the 2022 Afterschool Ambassador and served as a 2022-23 White Riley Peterson Policy Fellow, furthering her experiences and knowledge in afterschool policy and advocacy. 

Beyond the Bell Director of Operations

712-204-6098

akempema@siouxlandship.org

Abby Kempema is the Director of Operations for Beyond the Bell and has been with SHIP through Beyond the Bell since 2011. With over 14 years of dedicated experience Abby brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She holds a degree in Early Childhood and Family Services, equipping her with the insights and skills to support and grow the programming of young learners and their families. Abby is committed to serving the whole family, creating inclusive and nurturing environments where children thrive and families feel supported.

BOOST Re-Entry Program Director

Siouxland Pathway Program Director

712-577-3644

gfuentes@siouxlandship.org

Gary Fuentes has been with SHIP since August of 2019. Gary works closely with the Iowa Department of Corrections 3rd District and Woodbury County Jail, Along with the BOOST Re-Entry staff., he provides re-entry support to participants returning to Woodbury County. The program helps provide support, guidance, training and removes barriers to employment and education. Previously Gary worked with at-risk youth and young adults in the area for over 20 years. Raised in Sioux City, Gary is active in the soccer community - coaching and supporting free to play soccer for youth.

Community Native American Advocate

712-522-7906

tmedina@siouxlandship.org

Mostly known as “T”, Terry Medina’s Indian name is Akicita Hoksida, which translates to Warrior/Soldier Boy. Terry is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Nation.
Terry is a professionally skilled motivational speaker, presenter, trainer and facilitator. He provides Spirituality Empowerment / Empowerment Through Spirituality daily with relatives he serves through smudging and prayer. Terry works with individuals involved with HHS, adult and juvenile probation, federal probation, and recovery and treatment facilities. He conducts Talking, Listening, Prayer & Healing Circles, offers advocacy and support, and promotes services, inclusion and programs to improve equity for Native Americans.
Terry worked for 35 years as a Probation Officer. He also served on the Winnebago Public School Board for 25 years, served for 1 2 years on the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice through appointment by three different Nebraska Governors, served on the National Coalition for Juvenile Justice, and is a founding Board member of NAFFA (Native American Fatherhood & Families Association). Married for 40 years to his wife Patricia, Terry is father to 9 children (5 boys, 4 girls) as well as numerous grandchildren and a few great grandchildren.

Terry is honored to be a member of the SHIP team for the past 3 years, and helps the organization enhance the lives of those it serves.

BOOST GO Program Director

BOOST Restart Program Director

712-253-8337

scolt@siouxlandship.org

Scotty Colt is the Program Director for BOOST GO and has been with SHIP since March 2023. Scotty works directly with the Woodbury County Jail, Iowa Department of Corrections, Juvenile Court Services and other area officials to assist young men and women, 18-24 years of age, with gaining employment.

Scotty has worked with at-risk youth since 2009 and was born and raised in Sioux City. Scotty continues to live in the Sioux City area, with his wife Allison, 5 children and his Saint Bernard Hank.

Payroll Accountant

712-898-4174

lmax@siouxlandship.org

Lisa Max is the payroll accountant at SHIP.  She joined SHIP in August 2025 after working 2.5 years at King, Reinsch, Prosser & Co.  Lisa has over 20 years experience in non-profit accounting, spending 11 of those years with Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation in Winnebago.  In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world with her husband.

Human Resources Director

712-490-2078

cwurth@siouxlandship.org

Chris Wurth has served as the Human Resources Director for SHIP since January 2026. Born in Le Mars, Iowa, Chris later moved to Sioux City, where he graduated from East High School. He continued his education at Western Iowa Tech Community College before joining the United States Air Force. During his military career, Chris was stationed in Japan, Little Rock, Arkansas, and San Antonio, Texas. He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2011 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous management and leadership roles, bringing more than 25 years of experience in leadership, operations, and personnel management. While serving his country, Chris completed his higher education and holds three Associate Degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and two Master’s degrees in Human Resource Development and Public Administration.

Marketing Specialist

712-899-5113

gtopete@siouxlandship.org

Genesis Topete is the Marketing Specialist for Siouxland Human Investment Partnership and Beyond The Bell, where she combines creativity, strategy, and storytelling to help organizations effectively communicate their work and engage their audiences. Born and raised in Sioux City, Genesis began her creative journey at 16 as a photographer, gaining freelance experience through portraits, events, and other forms of visual content. Over the years, her creative background has expanded into marketing, social media, content creation, and digital communications, giving her a well-rounded approach to developing ideas and bringing them to life. Her work allows her to highlight the people, programs, and purpose behind nonprofit organizations while helping their impact reach more of the community.