The dedicated staff of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is responsible for day-to-day administration, programming and project management.
 Cara Miller
Executive Director  |
Cara Miller has enjoyed a career as a non-profit executive for more than 30 years. She has extensive experience in leadership and management of 501c3 organizations with a strong emphasis in fund development. Cara has an excellent understanding of the structures and processes necessary to run a successful non-profit organization including management, board leadership, supervision, and all aspects of development. She has hands on development experience including annual fund, grants, major gifts and special events. Cara is skilled in partnering with trustees, staff, and volunteers to successfully meet organizational and development goals. Cara grew up in a small rural community in central Iowa and is a graduate of the University of Iowa. She has a grown daughter, Gracelyn, who lives in Phoenix; two cats that live with her in Waterloo, and she enjoys visiting friends and family in Iowa and around the country. |
 Candy Streed
Director of Partnerships  |
Candy Welch-Streed is a native Iowan, originally from Maquoketa, and she makes her home in Waterloo with her two sons, Clayton and Jackson. In 1994, she made one of the best decisions of her life, to join the AmeriCorps Program, where she was employed by USDA. It was during that service that she found her career with Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Candy has twenty years of heritage development experience. She is currently Director of Partnerships for Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area and is responsible for helping the 37-county region and its partners preserve and share their agricultural stories. She directly manages their grant and partner programs, interpretation, historic preservation and technical assistance efforts. Candy is proud to be a part of preserving American traditions and stories and helping Iowans connect with their heritage. It is her personal mission to be a part of making Iowa a great place to live. |
 Carol Klein
Chief Financial Officer |
Carol Klein joined Silos & Smokestacks in January 2000. Her current responsibilities include; Finance, Human Resource Management and Accounting & Administration. Carol has several years of experience in accounting and administrative positions in the banking, insurance and financial planning industry. Raised on a family farm in rural Black Hawk County, Carol holds a degree in Accounting & Management. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her active grandchildren. |
 Laura Elfers
Educational Engagement Director  |
Growing up on a family farm and currently involved in the farming operation, Laura Elfers can assist you in discovering the many agriculture stories you can tell at your site. Working in the county government environment for over ten years, she can help navigate your obstacles. However if you are needing help with brochures, exhibits, interpretive panels, gathering volunteer support, or how to make your site attractive to educators, her fourteen years of experience will be able to guide you. |
 Jori Wade-Booth
Communications & Marketing Director  |
Jori Wade-Booth has nearly 20 years experience in communications, public relations, publishing, product development, graphic design and fundraising. Formerly, Jori served as Public Affairs Coordinator for University of Northern Iowa Museums where she was responsible for planning and executing media relations, public programming and promoting featured exhibits. Most recently, she worked as Director of Development for Self-Help International, a Waverly-based non-profit. Currently Jori served on the Eastern Iowa Tourism Board of Directors and the Waverly Tourism Committee. A native of Newton, Iowa, Wade-Booth graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. Jori has made her home in northeast Iowa with her husband, beautiful daughter and their rescue pup Petey.
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Eileen Salkowski joined Silos & Smokestacks in October 2018. Her duties include office administration as well as reporting to the Executive Director and correspondence with the SSNHA Board of Trustees. She is a native Iowan and graduate of Iowa State University with a BFA in Graphic Design. Eileen was raised on a family farm in northeast Iowa and after 12+ years managing in the retail and design industries is excited to contribute to the agricultural story. Eileen and her husband are raising their four children in Waterloo. |
Eileen Salkowski