Charlie Johnson

Treasurer

I am a lifelong Iowa resident having lived and worked in almost every corner of the state. In my working life I have been a farmer, a painting contractor, an elementary school teacher, a building principal, a school superintendent and a regional area education administrator. I retired in 2016 after twenty-eight years working in Iowa schools. I live on an acreage in Rural Precinct 6 with my wife, daughter, three goats, three chickens, five cats and one good dog. I’ve been a Democrat all of my adult life and involved with the Boone County Democratic Central Committee for several years. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Boone County Democratic party I hope to help to further our party’s goals to create a more just and equitable society. Forever Blue!

Mary Jo Schmerr

Secretary

I grew up on a family farm near Asbury, Iowa, now a suburb of Dubuque.   I have 5 brothers and one sister.  Our father and mother believed that stewardship of their land was essential for them to be good farmers.  My brothers and sister and I attended a one room school in Asbury until we went on to high school in Dubuque.   After I graduated high school, I continued my education at Clarke College and completed my B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics.  I then came to Iowa State University to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1975.   I then joined the National Animal Disease Center and used my expertise in chemistry and microbiology to develop vaccines and sensitive tests for several animal diseases.  

I married my husband in 1972.   We have three children who now have interesting careers in science.  All of them have moved to other states for their jobs.   We are always happy when they come home to visit.  We have four grandchildren who are our delight and our challenge.

After my husband and I retired, and the conditions of the country changed for the worse and we had “more” time, it was important to me that engage in activities promoting the common good for our communities.  I thought becoming active in politics other than just voting would help focus on this goal.  Many options were available which resulted in being elected to the central committee in late 2018.  One of my main interests is to improve life in rural America especially for young people. 

PENNY VOSSLER

Chair

I grew up farming and ranching in Montana. My parents were life-long Democrats, and I still look up to them and emulate their thoughtful, informed responses to life. They are also responsible for my ‘I can do that’ attitude in every situation. And my persistence.

I have had a lifelong addiction to learning, collecting four college degrees (Math, Computer Science, Space Studies and GIS) and a two professional certifications along the way. My careers include 13 years as a Math teacher in North and South Dakota (with 12 years as a volunteer EMT during that time), Associate Scientist on a NASA satellite project, a stint as a software test engineer and technical writer, and 7 years in cartography while living in Colorado. I moved to Iowa 7years ago and currently serve as GIS Coordinator for Boone County (think computer maps and APPs).

I began attending Boone County Democrats Central Committee meetings, where they occasionally had to remind me that I wasn’t actually ON the committee and thus could not make motions and cast votes. I ran the GOTV activities in 2016 and shortly after was elected Vice-Chair. I also chaired the 2020 caucuses and County Convention.

Diana Wright

Treasurer

I am a 5th generation Iowan and the proud daughter of two WWII veterans.  Because of the great support the state gave to our universities, I was able to complete both a BS from ISU and an MD from the U of I and have NO debt when I graduated.  I have lived most my life in Iowa and have practiced as an endocrinologist for almost 40 years.  While I am now semi-retired, I practice at Boone Family Medicine and  serve as an Episcopal priest.  Right now I live on an acreage with my wife, several pets and, of course, chickens.   I have been a passionate Democrat for years, coming from parents who benefited from the New Deal back in the 1930's and from the GI bill.  I believe we need people in all levels of government who will put people first and not billionaires and corporations.  I will work for justice and equality and for the earth in which we all live!!