About DBR Staff

Executive Director:

Larry S. Grubisich
Executive Director
515-965-7064
lsgrubisich@dmacc.edu
Larry has been the Executive Director for DMACC Business Resources since 1995. He holds a B.S. in Secondary and Post Secondary Education and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Iowa State University. Prior to DMACC Larry spent 12 years in secondary education as a teacher/coach, 7-12 principal and Activities/Athletic Director. He then moved to Northwest Iowa Community College where he spent an additional 12 years in the following: Economic Development, Grant Development, Foundation Director and Dean of College Development. Contact Larry to find out how DBR can help your company meet its training needs.

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DBR Consultants:

Melissa Chavas
Business Solutions Consultant
515-964-6407
mkchavas@dmacc.edu
Melissa began in DMACC Business Resources as a Business Solutions Consultant in September of 2007. She works with clients in Polk, Dallas, Madison, Warren and Adair counties. In addition to administering 260E & F programs, Melissa designs, develops and facilitates experiential management development training programs for DBR. Her background includes over 17 years experience in the Human Resource Development field working with all different types of companies in varied industries. Melissa earned her BA in Theatre/Communication/Education from Simpson College and a M.Ed. in Organizational Learning & Human Resources Development (OLHRD) from Iowa State University. Prior to joining DBR, Melissa owned her own consulting business, Chavas Consulting, for 8 years where she focused on training, consulting and instructional design. Melissa also spent 9 years working at American Media Incorporated as the Director of Training and Employee Development and as a Senior Instructional Designer in Research and Development. Contact Melissa to learn more about how DMACC Business Resources can help your organization.

Jeff Janes
Business Solutions Consultant
515-663-6717
jrjanes@dmacc.edu
Jeff has been a Training Consultant for DMACC Business Resources since January of 2002 and covers Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Polk, and Story counties. His office is located in Ames at the DMACC Career Academy Hunziker Center.  Prior to coming to DMACC, Jeff worked for Pella Windows and Doors in Chicago, IL and Pella Corporation in Pella, Iowa. His background is in manufacturing, marketing, training, customer service, and continuous improvement. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree from Simpson College and his Masters in Business Administration from Drake University. Contact Jeff to learn more about how DMACC Business Resources can help your organization.

Cathy Spenceri
Director, Downtown Business Development
515-286-4916
caspenceri@dmacc.edu
Cathy has been with DMACC Business Resources since October 1999. Cathy has responsibilities for 260E/F programs in Downtown Des Moines. Cathy is located in the Des Moines Partnership building and works with Downtown businesses to assess, recommend and implement the wide variety of educational needs to corporations.  Cathy also works closely with the Business Accelerator to identify resources for entrepreneurs.  Cathy holds a B.A in Speech Communications and a M.Ed. in Organizational Learning & Human Resources Development (OLHRD) from Iowa State University. She has 16 years of facilitation experience in business and industry including working for Physician’s Mutual (insurance), Frigidaire – Electrolux and DMU (Des Moines University). Cathy is a certified facilitator in Wilson Learning, DDI (Developmental Dimensions International), Achieve Global, and MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Contact Cathy to learn more about how DMACC Business Resources can help your organization.

Karen Stiles
Business Solutions Consultant
515-965-7311
kastiles@dmacc.edu
Karen Stiles is a Training Consultant and works mainly with companies in Polk County.  In addition to administering 260E and 260F programs, Karen provides customized Supervision/ Management training for companies across Iowa.  Topics include; team building, communication skills, personal style analysis, conflict management, leadership development, managing change, and basic supervision skills.  Karen earned her B.S. degree from Iowa State University and has 16 years training and facilitation experience.  Prior to joining DMACC she owned her own consulting business and worked in executive management for YMCAs in California, Missouri, and Iowa.  Contact Karen to learn more about how DMACC Business Resources can help your organization.

Glenn Volkman
Business Solutions Consultant
515-964-6468
gavolkman@dmacc.edu
Glenn has been a Training Consultant for DMACC Business Resources since July 2003 and covers Jasper and Polk counties. Prior to joining the DBR team, Glenn was a Continuing Education Coordinator at DMACC for three years, and was a full-time faculty member at Iowa Valley Community College for 6 years. He taught in the areas of Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology and Industrial Electronics. Glenn has 6 years of experience in the plastics industry. His education includes a B.A. in Technology Education from the University of Northern Iowa and an A.A.S. in Electromechanical Technology from Kirkwood. Contact Glenn to learn more about how DMACC Business Resources can help your organization.

Ann Wolfinger
Safety Specialist
515-964-6896
awolfinger@dmacc.edu
Ann is a Safety Specialist and instructor for DBR in the Safety Training and OSHA Compliance Information Center. She has worked in facility management and safety for over 15 years. Ann is an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer in General Industry and Construction. She holds a certificate in Human Performance Improvement Principles and Practices from the Safety & Risk Management Academy, Iowa State University and received the Director’s Award from the Safety Training Instruction and Research Center, Iowa State University. Ann has completed training in AC/DC basic electricity and NEC electrical requirements for electricians, Business and Corporate Law, Poverty Law, Torts & Trials, Legal Research and Writing and Labor Law. Ann has also worked in the legal and accounting fields Ann is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and a member of the DMACC Ankeny Campus Safety Committee.

Dennis Hayworth
Lean Training Coordinator/Projects Officer
515-964-6346
dahayworth@dmacc.edu
Dennis has been with DMACC Business Resources since February 1999. His responsibilities include scheduling and coordinating Lean, workplacelean®, Management / Supervisory Skills, Water and Wastewater training and other DBR training events. He has a B.A. in Business administration and over 30 years of experience in business as sales, Operations Manager, District Manager and Branch Manager. Call Dennis to learn more about scheduling a class for your organization or to learn more about how to enroll in upcoming classes offered by DMACC Business Resources.

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Support Staff:

Annette Adams
Administrative Assistant
515-964-6464
aladams@dmacc.edu
Annette has been with DMACC Business Resources since 2002. She is responsible for providing office support for training events in Lean Manufacturing, workplacelean®, and for the Iowa Onsite Wastewater Training Center. Before coming to DMACC, Annette was employed with Big 4 accounting firms in Phoenix.

Pam Akers
Administrative Assistant
515-964-6397
pjakers@dmacc.edu
Pam joined DMACC Business Resources in 2006. She is responsible for processing the 260E and 260F projects, Supervisory/Management Skills and Wastewater Training. Pam provides administrative support to DBR’s Executive Director, Training Consultants, instructors and company contacts. Prior to joining DBR, Pam was employed in the fields of education and manufacturing.

Paula Hembry
Administrative Assistant
515-964-6855
pkhembry@dmacc.edu
Paula has been employed at DMACC since 1982. Working primarily in Economic Development and DBR, she also has experience in other areas of community education. Before coming to DMACC, Paula was employed in the fields of transportation, insurance, and credit unions. Paula currently provides assistance to DBR’s Training Consultants, Executive Director, instructors, and their client company contacts. She is also a member of the college’s Benefits Committee and Educational Support Professionals Executive Council.