ECICOG Welcomes Two New Staff Members

In April, ECICOG added two members to the Housing team to keep up with new housing grants and growing interest in the nuisance enforcement program.

Julie Herny joins the Housing team as a Housing Fellow. Julie is a recent graduate of Mount Mercy University with a degree in Social Work. She has previous work experience with the Catherine McAuley Center, a social services organization in Cedar Rapids. Julie will assist with the administration of Community Development Block Grants related to recovery from the 2020 derecho storm.

Steve Van Abbema is our new Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator. Steve has extensive experience leading construction crews, and most recently he was a Project Manager for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Most of his time will be spent inspecting structures, writing project specifications, coordinating the bidding process, and verifying completion of rehabilitation projects. Steve will also help manage ECICOG's nuisance enforcement program.