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Board of Directors

Committed to Atlantic’s Future

At the heart of Vision Atlantic’s mission is a dedicated group of individuals committed to guiding our efforts and ensuring meaningful impact for Atlantic’s future. Our Board of Directors brings a diverse blend of experience, leadership, and passion for community growth. Together, they help shape the vision, foster connections, and champion the initiatives that drive Atlantic forward. Meet the team working behind the scenes to turn possibility into progress.

Christina Bateman

Christina Bateman

Board President
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NIck Hunt

Nick Hunt

Board Vice President
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Melissa Ihnen

Melissa Ihnen

Board Secretary
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Debbie Waterbury

Debbie Waterbury

Board Treasurer
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Keith Harlan

Keith Harlan

Board Director
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Liz Hunt-Reid

Liz Hunt-Reid

Board Director
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Jessie Shiels

Jessie Shiels

Board Director
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Bob Camblin

Bob Camblin

Honorary Board Director
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Christina Bateman

Board President

Christina Bateman, along with her husband Joe of 15 years, has 6 children. Christina has spent 8 years in commercial construction with an additional 10 years in the real estate industry. Christina is founder of Faith’s Friends, and she also serves on numerous boards and service organizations including the Nishna Valley Family YMCA Board, Cass/Atlantic Development Board, Atlantic Community Development, Community Foundation of Western Iowa Board and Atlantic Rotary.

“I’ve been fortunate to call Atlantic home my entire life. I’ve been actively involved in childcare, housing and the YMCA, for years and feel being of service to my community is the easiest way to give back. I want Atlantic to grow and prosper so my children, and their children, and their children have the pleasure of calling Atlantic home.”

NIck Hunt

Board Vice President

Nick Hunt is a life-long Atlantic resident and, with his wife Sue of 44 years, has two children. Along with his “day job” as a farmer, Nick has spent decades investing in projects throughout Atlantic. Aside from serving as Vice President of Vision Atlantic, Nick serves on the Farm Credit Services of America Board, Cass Health Foundation, CattleFax Board and has served on the Atlantic Community School Board and Cass County Community Foundation of Southwest Iowa.

“If you don’t invest in your community, it will go backwards. The easiest way for me to give back to Atlantic for generations to come is to give my time and efforts to Vision Atlantic, supporting this once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Melissa Ihnen

Board Secretary

Melissa Ihnen, along with her husband Bill, has been a life-long resident of Cass County. She has two children and has been in the real estate industry since 1988, now being the owner and Broker of Meyer & Gross Real Estate.

In her “spare” time, Melissa serves on the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Board, City of Atlantic Planning & Zoning Commission, City of Atlantic Board of Adjustment, two State committees at the Iowa Association of Realtors, is a member of the National Association of Realtors, WCIR Board of Realtors and is a Boy Scout leader.

“Having lived in Atlantic all my life, I love our community and want to see it grow and thrive! Atlantic has many positives, and this once-in-a-lifetime project will give us the boost we need by attracting people to move here so they can raise their families, open new businesses, and make Atlantic their home for generations.”

Debbie Waterbury

Board Treasurer

Debbie Waterbury, along with her husband Mike of 43 years, has two children and been a long-time resident of Cass County. Debbie has been in the real estate industry for 45 years, and has owned her own company, Atlantic Home Realty, for 25 years.

Aside from serving as Vision Atlantic Treasurer, Debbie has served on numerous boards within the community, and she is currently a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Iowa Association of Realtors.

“Housing has always been my interest and there is a huge need for it in our community. I look forward to being involved in this project and seeing housing, childcare and a YMCA expansion happen for Atlantic.”

Keith Harlan

Board Director

Keith Harlan moved to Atlantic in 1960 as an employee of A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc. The company made the decision to move to Atlantic from Des Moines, wanting to establish a headquarters in Southwest Iowa. Keith has been with the company ever since, and is self-described as “semi-retired”, serving as Chairman of the Board.

Aside from his role as a Board of Director for Vision Atlantic, Keith has served with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) at both a state and national level, completed terms as the President of Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation, invested to build the “spec” buildings sold to Ziegler CAT and Atlas Crane – bringing both new businesses to Atlantic – and currently serves on the Atlantic Airport Commission.

In my past service, I was one of several investors that built the “spec” buildings that were sold to Ziegler CAT and Atlas Crane which brought both companies to Atlantic.

“I believe in the mission of Vision Atlantic which is essential to solve the three problems affecting our future growth. The lack of housing is stifling people of all income categories from moving here. Childcare is necessary as both parents in many families must work outside the home. Residents of all ages want the amenities offered by the YMCA, which is currently busting at the seams to provide their current programs. We have a beautiful community, but we must keep working to move forward and grow.”

Liz Hunt-Reid

Board Director

Liz Hunt-Reid grew up in Atlantic and, along with her husband Mike McDermott, has four children between them, keeping her very busy with activities. Liz attended Dartmouth College, receiving her degree in psychology and education. She served in the U.S. Army for four years following college graduation. Liz moved back to Atlantic in 2012 to teach special education at the Atlantic Middle School. After eight years, Liz switched roles and now serves as the 8th grade math teacher at AMS.

Liz has worn many hats on numerous committees throughout Atlantic and the school district. Some committees she has served on include the AMS Building Leadership Team, District Leadership Team, and she’s served as a mentor for new teachers. Liz is also the Recognition Committee Co-Chair on the Vision Atlantic Project Leadership Committee.

“I think Atlantic is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I want to give back and support the community! Vision Atlantic’s initiative will allow Atlantic to grow and thrive, and I’m excited to help make this vision a reality.”

Jessie Shiels

Board Director

Jessie Shiels, an Atlantic transplant, moved to the area over ten years ago to settle down with her husband Tyler. They have three boys who keep her active and on her toes. Jessie has spent her professional career in the realm of Marketing and Advertising for a variety of industries, working for a few different companies. Most recently, she has combined her two passions of marketing and rural revitalization by joining the team at Emerge Marketing Solutions.

Aside from her role as Board Director for Vision Atlantic, Jessie also serves on the Atlantic Community School Foundation Board. She was a co-founder and six-year director of SHIFT ATL, an Atlantic social and economic development non-profit and serves on a variety of volunteer community committees and groups.

“While Atlantic has only been mine and my family’s home for ten years, Southwest Iowa (rural Iowa) has been home forever. My passion for rural development stems from wanting my children to grow up in a prospering community with opportunities so that one day, they, too, will choose Atlantic as “home”. Being able to give my time and activate my resources for this project has been a gift.”

Bob Camblin

Honorary Board Director

Bob Camblin was born and raised in Atlantic. Following college graduation with degrees in Math, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Bob returned home to Atlantic, working for his dad, Wayne, at Camblin Plumbing & Heating. The company was started in 1918 by Bob’s grandfather, and Bob eventually took over operations following his father’s retirement. Through his leadership and mentorship, the company has expanded into Camblin Mechanical.

Bob was an active member of many community organizations including the United Church of Christ, Atlantic Rotary and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President. In addition, Bob served on several boards including the Master Builders of IA, the Southwest Iowa Coalition for Economic Development, Cass/ Atlantic Development Corp. and Wesley Retirement Services.

Bob dedicated a substantial amount of time investing in economic development projects throughout Atlantic including housing, business development and the award-winning Apprenticeship Program housed out of Camblin Mechanical. It is through his leadership and passion for Atlantic that Vision Atlantic came to life. Up until his last day, Bob was actively working to ensure this project sees the finish line, understanding the importance housing, childcare and quality of life amenities play to having a growing, thriving community.

Bob passed away peacefully at his home on November 29th, 2023. We are proud and honored to continue the incredible work he started, and know his legacy will be felt through this project for generations to come.

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