Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County’s Board of Directors is made up of volunteer community and business leaders dedicated to helping young people succeed. The Board of Directors provides fiscal management, strategic direction and, in addition, helps build a network of like-minded community members and organizations that can help the Clubs achieve their mission. The following are all independent, voting members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County’s Board of Directors.
Farner Storage
Farner Storage
Tyler is a lifelong Ames resident – a graduate of Ames High School and Iowa State University. He spent 32 years working in his family’s business, Farner-Bocken Company, until the company was sold in 2017. Tyler then acquired a self-storage property in Ames, now creatively named Farner Storage, and operates that business along with other commercial properties and investments.
With a desire to give back to the Ames community, Tyler was drawn to the mission statement of the Boys and Girls Club which reads in part, “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most…” He first served on the Resource Development Committee and was then invited to join the Board of Directors where he has served over the past six years. He is currently serving in his second year as the President of the Board of Directors along with various other committees.
Tyler and his wife, LeAnn, have 4 adult children – all married and living within a 30 mile radius of Ames. They have also been blessed with three grandchildren which, of course, they adore!
Outside of work, Tyler loves spending time with LeAnn and family, as well as golfing, sailing, motorsports, fitness and ISU athletics.
21st Century Rehab
21st Century Rehab
Michelle is the Chief Operating and Financial Officer and cofounder of 21st Century Rehab P.C., a provider of physical, occupational and speech therapy services with clinics predominantly located in central Iowa. She joined the board in 2018 and has been instrumental in the establishment of the Boys & Girls Club in Nevada. She is passionate about the community and has been involved in many causes over the past 30 years. Her strong belief in the mission of the Club fuels her passion and hopes that her efforts will contribute to the future success of the young people who are served by the Club. Michelle and her husband, Steve, reside in Nevada and have three grown children and five grandchildren. When she is not working, volunteering, or spending time with her grandchildren, she enjoys reading, traveling and hiking.
Community Volunteer
Community Volunteer
Raymond has proudly served on the Board at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County for over 8 years, currently serving as the Board Treasurer and on the Executive and Finance committees.
Raymond was brought to Iowa by Renewable Energy Group (REG), a company that produces fuel from green energy sources, where he held several senior leadership positions. To help guide the Club, he leverages a broad business background that includes serving in leadership roles in private and public companies, holding President and Chief Financial Officer roles, and domestic and international experiences.
His greatest joy serving on the Board is how “amazing it is to watch the Club grow and serve more kids.”
Woodruff Construction
Northwest Bank
Ames Police Department
Wood River Energy
Wood River Eenrgy
Andrea believes that every child deserves a chance, and she loves to coach young people to become their best selves. Andrea joined the Board in 2018 to utilize her experience and community connections to help raise funds and awareness for the Club. For more than 25 years she dedicated her career to various nonprofits in fundraising, communications, events and volunteer management roles. She currently works remotely as a member of the marketing team for Wood River Energy. She is a lifelong Cyclones fan and proudly holds both a B.A. and M.Ed. from Iowa State University. Andrea and her husband Justin live in Ames, love to travel to tropical locations, and cheer on the Cyclones with friends and family.
Betts Real Estate
Betts Real Estate
Chris has been passionately involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County since joining the annual gala committee in 2015. He was first drawn to the Club and its mission after searching out mentorship opportunities within Story County. After several successful galas and several years of being involved on various committees and volunteer events, he was asked to join the full board in 2018. Chris runs a successful real estate and property management firm and has owned several other businesses over the years. He has a strong commitment to youth development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship and wants our future entrepreneurs to have a place to learn and foster their ideas. Beyond his work with the Boys & Girls Club, Chris serves as a board member for the Gilbert Soccer Club and Central Iowa MLS, where he channels a strong enthusiasm for community engagement. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs, and two young boys at the soccer fields, fishing, golfing, and ISU Athletic events.
Community Volunteer
Community Volunteer
Nathan began serving on the Board at the Boys & Girls Club of Story County in 2019. He was drawn by the mission to help the kids that need us most in Ames and Story County.
As a longtime business owner in Ames, Nathan uses his experience to help develop the financial stability of the Club on the Finance Committee and the Board At Large. His wife is an Ames School District employee and sees the need in our community every day.
“How exciting to think we can help kids and their families close the educational gap and provide for some food insecurities within a safe and welcoming environment.”
In their free time, the Brammers love to travel, bike, hike, and visit their three grown kids.
Ames Regional Economic Alliance
Ames Regional Economic Alliance
Shannon Thiele serves as the Director of Workforce Development at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and has been with the organization since November 2022. Passionate about connecting local leaders and peers with opportunities, she spearheads workforce solution programs and manages initiatives ranging from K-12 education to young professional development. In addition, Shannon acts as the staff liaison for AREA Young Professionals and The Ames Foundation, and she works alongside the Vice President of Downtown Development on Campustown efforts.
Beyond her role at the Alliance, Shannon is active in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County and serves on their Gala event committee. She also advocates for young professionals in Iowa as part of the Young Professionals of Iowa Board.
Originally from Marion, Iowa, Shannon has called Ames home since attending Iowa State University and officially made it her home after purchasing her first house with her husband, Justin, in June 2022.
Pyle & Associates
Pyle & Associates
Born and raised in Ames, Iowa, Ben Pyle is a dedicated professional and community advocate with deep roots in Story County. As a shareholder at a public accounting firm, Ben brings a wealth of expertise in finance and strategic planning to his role on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County. Passionate about giving back to his community, Ben joined the Board to help provide local youth with the support, resources, and mentorship they need to grow into the future leaders of Ames and beyond. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, supporting local initiatives, and working to make a positive impact on the next generation.
Fareway
Fareway
Dustin Lucht brings 28 years of experience with Fareway to the Boys & Girls Club board, where he combines professional expertise with a deep commitment to empowering young people. Starting his Fareway journey at age 16, he has spent the past 23 years in management, currently leading the Downtown Ames Fareway for the last four years.
In his role as a manager, Dustin is passionate about mentoring youth, helping young employees build confidence and grow both professionally and personally. His dedication to guiding and inspiring young people aligns with the Boys & Girls Club mission, as he works to support youth in realizing their potential and becoming future leaders.
Beyond his career, Dustin is actively involved in the Ames community. He completed Leadership Ames Class 35 and serves on the Downtown Ames Main Street board. Through these roles, he continues to build strong community ties and gives back to the place he calls home.
In his free time, Dustin enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, and their two children, Landon and Addy. He is an avid golfer and loves traveling with his family whenever he can.
Iowa State Athletics Department
Iowa State Athletics Department
Frank Nogel has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club since June of 2024. He was inspired to join the board after learning that the club’s mission is to serve young people, especially those in need. Nogel also believes that the club’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere enhances our youth’s ability to learn and succeed.
Nogel is a Special Advisor to the Director of Athletics at Iowa State University and has been with the athletics department since 1999. The Des Moines native received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State and all-told has over 35 years of experience in the areas of fundraising, business development and revenue generation.
An active volunteer in Story County for many years, Nogel also sits on the Community Grants Committee for Discover Ames. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Sports Foundation/Iowa Games, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames High School Booster Club and Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation.
When not cheering on the Cyclones, Nogel enjoys walking, golf, collecting sports memorabilia and classic rock music. Frank and his wife, Cheryl, have two grown children: Ashley and Joseph.
Ames Police Department
Ames Police Department
Dan has been affiliated with the Club for over 20 years. He has a sincere interest in outreach and supporting the youth of Story County. Dan currently serves as the patrol commander for the Ames Police Department. The police department continues to be a strong supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County, maintaining a board member presence for more than 30 years. Dan lives in Ames with his wife and two children.
Mid-States Companies
Ames Police Department
Riley Vier joined the board in late 2024 to serve as a conduit for the needs of the Nevada Club. With a passion for design, strategy and efficiency, he currently occupies the role of Vice President of Marketing for Mid-States Companies, a family of companies that serve the commercial agricultural and industrial sectors. He obtained his MFA in Graphic Design from the University of Iowa in 2017. He also serves and attends Cornerstone Church of Ames. When not working, you can find him at home with his wife Kourtney and his three children, Jack, Zeke and Rae.
Sukup
Sukup
Renee is committed to civic engagement and serving her community. With over 20 years of board experience in Story County—including leadership roles with Mary Greeley Medical Center and Ames Main Street Cultural District—she brings expertise in strategic marketing, communications, and public relations. Currently, she serves as the External Relations Manager at Sukup Manufacturing.
Renee earned her BFA from Iowa State University, where she was a proud member of the Iowa State Dance Team. A lifelong cheerleader at heart, she brings that spirit of encouragement to everything she does. Actively involved in the Gilbert School community, she also serves on the Executive Board for the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Renee lives in Ames with her husband, Josh, and their three children: Sidney, Sawyer, and Kennady.
To inspire & enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
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