Michaelis takes over as WinnWorth Betco executive director; hires new marketing director

Winn-Worth Betco (Winnebago-Worth Counties Betterment Council) is announcing the organization’s executive board, comprised of Winnebago and Worth County Supervisors has hired Melissa Michaelis as the Executive Director, effective March 18.
Michaelis has been with the organization since January 2014 and has handled all aspects of marketing, as well as serving as the assistant to previous executive directors. Michaelis is a Lake Mills Community High School graduate, a Minnesota State University graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree, and has worked in various marketing and design positions throughout her career. She has extensive photography experience and owns her own photography business.
“Melissa has really grown in the past nine months and has kept us up to date on many of the ongoings in both counties. I think moving her to Director is a smart move. She has roots in the area and I am confident she will make the position her own,” said Mark Smeby, Worth County Supervisor.
The executive director position had been vacant since Teresa Nicholson left after 17 years in June of 2018. With the exception of a short period in which Warren Wortham who filled the position after the Executive Board sought to hire a consulting firm. Wortham resigned mid-January after nine weeks.
“We wanted to be proactive with economic development and sought insight from a consulting firm recommended to us by other economic developers. It was unfortunate this situation did not work out,” stated Smeby.
“I worked closely with Teresa for five years before she left,” said Michaelis. She joked a little bit saying she thought she had another decade before she took over the position. “I am grateful to have colleagues who have guided me through the past nine months and supportive board members who steer me in the right direction.”
Michaelis’ top priority is to familiarize herself with her new duties, maintain and create new relationships with economic development organizations. She maintains attendance at various board meetings and will make it a priority to attend each of the 14 community city council meetings before the end of the year.
Michaelis would like to announce her own replacement as Marketing Director. Alexis Bodzioch will fill the position beginning May 7, 2019. Bodzioch is currently a fourth-year Public Relations Major at Wartburg College. She is originally from the suburbs of Chicago and is looking forward to making Forest City her home.
“I was extremely impressed with Alexis in the interview and look forward to see how she can help promote Winn-Worth Betco and the two counties in all aspects of our mission,” stated Mike Stensrud, Winnebago County Supervisor.
Bodzioch is no stranger to Economic Development. She was the intern to Jill Kramer, of Hancock County Economic Development Corporation in Garner, Iowa. “I am looking forward to working for Winn-Worth Betco. I am excited to meet new people and continue my journey in the marketing world.”
Winn-Worth Betco has served the residents, businesses, communities, and two counties since 1992. The mission of the organization is to serve the economic development interests in housing, tourism, community development, and business recruitment and retainment for Winnebago and Worth Counties in Iowa.
“The office will be fully staffed again. Together we can turn our focus onto serving both counties and all 14 communities within,” Michaelis said.
An open house date at the end of May will be announced in the near future.
For more information, please contact Melissa Michaelis at director@winn-worthbetco.com.