Southwest Iowa Information Technology Sector Board
August 11, 2015 Meeting Notes
Members in attendance: Nathan Coberly (Physician’s Mutual), Terry Oswald (Pathfinder Systems), Mark
Howard (City of Council Bluffs), Adam Haeder (Google), Chad Brockman (FDR), Mary Slechta (on the
phone, FDR), Jennifer Noteware (West Corporation), Kim Jones (Lewis Central Schools), Mindy Thornton
(IWCC Student), and Jennifer Coffman (IWCC)
Others in attendance: Amber Carcel, Libby Woods, and Shalimar Brunk (IWCC); Terry Bailey (CB
Chamber), Mary Warren (M. Warren Consulting).
Welcome and Introductions:
Members provided self-introductions and new member Jennifer
Noteware from West Corp was welcomed.
IT Career Pathway Map:
Mary Warren distributed draft copies of a career pathway map to
members. Much discussion ensued and members had many suggestions regarding job titles, salary
ranges and educational levels. Some key points that emerged included the need to split the map into
different career tracks (software development, infrastructure and project management), as well as the
need to add an additional area on the map where certifications can be listed. Iowa Western staff will
work on incorporating these changes and will send the revised map to members.
Upcoming Tech Events:
Jennifer Coffman told members that Tech Brew events through the
Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) are starting up again and will be held on the first Tuesday of each
month in Council Bluffs. On September 1st, the event will be held at Dixie Quicks. On October 6th, a
Tech Town Hall meeting will be held at IWCC in Fremont Hall. Because this is just one week before our
regularly scheduled Sector Board meeting, we discussed holding the Sector Board meeting at 2:00 PM
just prior to the Town Hall. After the Town Hall, the group will move to the Arts Center for refreshments
and networking. Detailed information will be sent to members about the event.
The fall 8th Grade Career Forum is set for October 20th and Kim Jones and Mary Warren will be
contacting speakers for the event. It was mentioned that it would be good to have a woman present to
help encourage female students to consider IT careers.
Jennifer advised that Iowa Western’s Computer Information Technology department will be hosting a
Career Week the week of November 2nd. Events will include a mock interview panel in which sector
board members may be contacted to get involved.
Industry Trends and Workforce Issues:
Nathan Coberly said it’s becoming increasingly difficult to fill developer positions through the H1B Visa
program. Physician’s Mutual is considering revising job descriptions so that varying educational levels
can be considered for developer hiring. Test automation engineering and quality assurance are growing
needs.
Nathan also mentioned that he took some time to review the IWCC course outline for Application and
Web Development and thought it contained all the necessary elements and was well-laid out.
Chad Brockman mentioned Test Centers of Excellence (TCOEs) and said that Iowa Western will not be
able to produce the number of IT graduates needed in the area. Terry Oswald suggested that IWCC may
want to consider starting a TCOE.
Adam Haeder suggested that we have Erick Whigham review the Career Pathway Map because AIM has
done some similar things that could be useful.
Apprenticeships were also discussed. Members are interested in learning more about how the
apprenticeship model applies to the IT industry. The skill thresholds are so high that it’s difficult to see
how a person could learn everything needed on the job. It would require an enormous time investment
on the part of the senior staff. Mary said that IT apprenticeship programs are being used in other
locations in the country and she will look for some materials to share at a future meeting.
Shalimar Brunk is the new Corporate Training Navigator and she told the group she has begun
contacting all Sector Board members to schedule in-person meetings to discuss business training needs
and the direction of the Sector Board.
Next Steps:
1. Jennifer will send more detailed information to members about the date of the next Sector Board
meeting and the Tech Town Hall event.
2. The IT Career Pathway Map will be revised based on feedback received and will be sent to members
for further review. Members will send any additional comments and suggestions to Jennifer and Mary.
3. Mary will research IT apprenticeships and bring information to a future meeting.
4. More information about the Omaha Chamber’s Tech Talent Initiative will be gathered and shared with
members.
Future Meetings:
October 6 (changed from October 13) and December 8