Northeast Iowa – Following a lifelong career involved with agriculture in a variety of roles, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) President Don Short recently announced his plans to retire later this year. The SSNHA Board of Trustees will soon be launching a nationwide search for the Heritage Area’s new leader and hope to have the position filled by mid-summer.
Short grew up in rural Winthrop, IA, where he took over the family farm. His involvement in farming continued throughout most of his life, including working for Moews Seed Company and Pioneer/Dupont Seed Company. Short brought his love for agriculture to Silos & Smokestacks in January 2001, when he took over the lead role for the Heritage Area. During his time with SSNHA, Short was heavily involved in federal legislation and developing corporate partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s coordinating entity.
Short commented, “Working with the federal government and receiving federal funding was a new experience. You learn very quickly that not everything sticks and the battle never ends.”
During the transition, Short plans to continue to work with Silos & Smokestacks on a part time/consultant basis, primarily in areas related to federal legislation and funding. Short plans to enjoy retirement with his wife Janet, attending classic car auctions, fishing and visiting his grandchildren.
Short shared, “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work at Silos & Smokestacks. No two days were ever the same and the Staff and Board of Trustees were the best ever to work with.”
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