Jessica leads the public affairs and public relations activities at PolicyWorks. She has led the public affairs work for PolicyWorks’ renewable energy clients for a decade, and has played a role in successful communication and advocacy campaigns in Iowa, the Midwest and across the country. Prior to joining PolicyWorks, she spent nearly 10 years in the chamber world at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and still maintains close relationships with the economic development industry. ​She is graduate of ABI's Leadership Iowa program, a Des Moines Business Record "Forty Under 40" honoree, a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Past-President of the Clive Chamber of Commerce. ​Jessica graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, with a BA in Communication–Journalism and a minor in Spanish.

Nick serves as the executive director of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum, a nonprofit organization advocating for clean, affordable and reliable energy policies rooted in conservative principles. An Iowa native, Nick has more than a decade of political campaign, government affairs, public affairs, and public relations experience at the state, local, and federal levels. He served as field director for Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' historic 2018 campaign and followed the campaign by serving as a director in Governor Reynolds’ official office. Following his roles in state government, Nick’s issue advocacy work in the private sector has included comprehensive community, statewide, and national campaigns. Among the many hats he wears as part of his portfolio, Nick also serves the states director of a national sustainable aviation fuels coalition where he provides leading grassroots strategy towards the development of energy policies at the state and federal level.

Meredith Pounds DeBorde, Landowner/Solar Grazer, Lazy D Farm Meredith DeBorde is a dedicated agricultural professional with a lifelong passion for farming, ranching, and agricultural advocacy. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Services & Development and Master of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Soil & Animal Science, from Tarleton State University. Alongside her husband, Eric, Meredith owns and operates Lazy D Farm in southern Ellis County, where they work with their two sons to raise show cattle, cultivate over 600 acres of hay, and integrated Agrivoltaics into their operation since 2021. Her diverse expertise spans agricultural livestock broadcasting, marketing, and education, including her time as an Agriculture Science Teacher. Currently, she serves as an Implementation Specialist for American Farmland Trust, where she supports sustainable farming initiatives. Committed to leadership and community service, Meredith is a Director for the Bardwell Water Board, an active 4-H Club Leader, and has held roles as National Shorthorn Lassie Queen Secretary and Director at both the state and national levels. She and her family have been recognized as Progressive and Pioneer Breeders by the Texas Shorthorn Association, where they have been active members for over 30 years and served as junior association advisors for 15 years. Beyond her professional roles, Meredith is a dedicated advocate for agriculture, investing her time in AGvocacy efforts to educate and inspire the next generation. Her leadership and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on the agricultural community.

McKinley Fisk, Manager of Creative Development and Strategy at PolicyWorks, graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Advertising. In her role, McKinley plays a key part in shaping the strategy and creative vision for clients' social media, websites, and content, while also leading design initiatives. Before joining PolicyWorks in 2021, McKinley gained valuable experience as an Administrative Communications Intern for the Iowa Department of Agriculture, where she honed her skills in managing social media, creating engaging content, and deepening her understanding of government policy. Outside of her professional career, McKinley and her family run a cattle operation and row crop farming in central Iowa. She also serves on the board of a rural Iowa non-profit that supports community members facing medical emergencies. McKinley is passionate about using her creativity to share the story of rural voices that energize communities by feeding and fueling America.

Ray Gaesser has 51 years of farming experience and resides in Corning, Iowa. Ray has advocated locally, nationally and globally for Iowa and US Agriculture as the former president of the American Soybean Association and the Iowa Soybean Association. In 2018, Ray was a candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Ray and his wife, Elaine, farm 5,400 acres in partnership with their son, Chris. Gaesser Farms continues to test and implement the latest technology, equipment, seeds, innovations and practices to grow more while preserving and enhancing our resources.