Fayette County Economic Development & Tourism
Fayette County Economic Development & Tourism is a 501c6 non-profit striving to foster & implement tourism and business development & expansion in Fayette County. The broad board is made up of communities, utilities, financial institutions, higher education partners, and organizational partners from throughout the County.
The Fayette County Board of Supervisors supports Fayette County Economic Development & Tourism through their contract for services with the Northeast Iowa RC&D to employ an individual to serve as the director for the organization.
Utilities
Higher Education
Organizational Partners
Meet the Director and Executive Committee
Mallory Hanson, Director
Mallory Hanson is the Regional Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator for Northeast Iowa RC&D. Hanson graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010 and has worked in the economic development and public service field since 2011. In her free time, Mallory enjoys spending time with family and friends recreating in Fayette County and also enjoys watching movies, cuddling with her two cats, and playing video and board games with her husband, Tim.
Jeff Marcks, Chair
Jeff Marcks has been a resident of Wadena since 2013. He is an Associate Broker with Volga River Realty with a branch office in Elgin.
Jeff is active with Fayette County Economic Development, Elgin Community Betterment Club, Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts, as well as a member of the Elgin Lions.
Dylan Mulfinger, Vice-Chair
Dylan Mulfinger started his city management career in Oelwein in 2016. Dylan is an Iowa native and loves everything about the state. While his home county is Woodbury, Dylan has thoroughly enjoyed the beautifulness of northeast Iowa. Dylan acts like he knows how to BBQ and has thrown the occasional disc in disc golf. He has invested in a local taproom and volunteers in a plethora of committees in Oelwein. Dylan spends most nights with his High School sweetheart Michelle and their three children Iris, Hazel, and Foster.
Kris McGrane, Secretary-Treasurer
Kris McGrane was born and raised in Fairbank (in Fayette County) and after traveling throughout Iowa, he settled in the city of Fayette in 2005 to raise his family. Kris has helped with Watermelon Days, Fayette’s annual celebration, since he’s moved to the area and also is the Worship Leader at Fayette Community Church. He enjoys camping, videography, movies, kayaking and spending time with his two sons, his wife and family.
Kathy Franken, At-Large Member
Kathy Franken was named UIU’s 22nd President and Chief Financial Officer in October 2023. Kathy led UIU as Interim President and Chief Financial Officer beginning in May 2023, bringing demonstrated experience of working effectively across various departments and navigated organizational changes across the university.
Kim Berns, At-Large Member
Kim Berns has been involved in community banking since 2017, and is the Commercial Relationship Manager for Bank Iowa. A northeast Iowa native, Kim keeps busy with her husband and two boys. She’s active with Rotary, her church, local telecom board, and area economic development organizations, including the Fayette County Economic Development & Tourism board. Outside of work, Kim enjoys reading, cooking and spending time camping/boating.