Staff

Jeff Franco

Executive Director
jeff.franco@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5831

Jeff is a native of Omaha who graduated from Creighton University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and in 2011 with a master's in bio-science management. While pursuing his master’s, Jeff joined Pottawattamie Conservation in 2011 as a Natural Areas Management intern.  In 2012 he began work with HDR, Inc. as an environmental scientist supporting a variety of projects through wetland delineations, and habitat and National Environmental Policy Act reviews. He returned to Pottawattamie Conservation as Operations Supervisor in March of 2016, became Deputy Director in 2021, and assumed the role of Executive Director in 2024.

Chris Andrew

Site Manager, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
chris.andrew@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-9135

Dan Borgaila

Outdoor Operations Coordinator, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
dan.borgaila@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-9135

Dan “The Snow Hunter” Borgaila has been an integral part of Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area) since 2009, where his experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm for mountain operations have made him a valued team member.

Dan is Fluent in American Sign Language. Dan was born to deaf parents and grew up in a bilingual household that emphasized communication and strong work ethics—values he learned from his mother, whose dedication and determination continue to inspire him today.

Before his time in the ski industry, Dan was professionally trained as a stunt and film choreographer, earning a credited role in one film and contributing to several other movie and television productions. This early experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for precision, safety, and collaboration—all of which carry over into his current work in outdoor operations and guest service.

Beyond his professional life, Dan is passionate about serving the Lord, East Side Christian church, and his community. He brings that same sense of purpose and integrity to every project he undertakes.

Dan resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with his wife and three children. Known by many as “The Snow Hunter,” he continues to combine his love for snow, teamwork, and service into everything he does.

Kylie Elbin

Community Outreach Coordinator
Kylie.elbin@pottcounty-ia.gov

Kylie Elbin graduated from WVU Tech in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Sports Management. Where she then worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director before returning to Iowa and starting her first season at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area) as the Social Media Strategist and Content Creator Intern. After two season at Crescent Hill she accept the role at Community Outreach Coordinator for Pottawattamie Conservation.

Kylie Jacott

Community Outreach Manager
kylie.jacott@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5835

Kylie is an Omaha, Nebraska native who discovered her love for and connection to nature while roaming the prairies and woodlands of her grandparents’ acreage in Crescent, Iowa, as a young child. She’s a passionate, curious storyteller who enjoys discovering powerful ways to inform and inspire the public.

As a journalism student at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communications, Kylie produced short documentaries, was a writer and editor at the school's newspaper, The State Press, and interned at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating in 2015, Kylie interned with Reuters in New York City before moving back "homaha" to serve her community as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. She spent two years in AmeriCorps, working to build capacity at a local literacy nonprofit, DIBS (Delivering Infinite Book Shelves) for Kids. After DIBS, Kylie worked at United Way of the Midlands as Manager of Digital, where she managed online marketing efforts and fundraising campaigns to support local nonprofits.

Kylie accepted a position as Promotions & Outreach Coordinator at Pottawattamie Conservation in 2021 and now serves as the organization's Community Outreach Manager, where she oversees communication efforts and builds partnerships throughout the community.

In her free time, Kylie is focused on soaking up every moment possible with her two youngsters, husband, Matt, and pup, Pepper.

Dana Kruse

Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
dana.kruse@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-3283

Dana built his career with Frito Lay where he led sales and trained teams across the country. For the past 20 years he has also passionately coordinated the Knights of Columbus's annual Wild Game Feed. He is a high school football official and him and his wife Sue have three sons, three grandsons and three dogs.

His favorite quote is: “Excellence is a gradual result of always striving to be better.”

Ray Mehaffy

Maintenance & Operations Technician, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
ray.mehaffy@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-9135

Ray grew up on a dairy farm, working for his family until he was old enough to move to Omaha and go to automotive school. After graduating, he worked at a few dealerships and got into drag racing, which eventually led to tractor pulling!

Later in life, he started his own scale and construction company that he ran for 33 years, but Ray was built for speed! He would later have one of the fastest boat speeds set on the Missouri River.

Fast forward to 2010, Ray started working at Mt. Crescent ( Now Crescent Hill at Hitchcock) as a mechanic, snow maker, and as a ski patroller (as of 2012), as well as a volunteer firefighter (2013).

Angela Thompson

Administrative Assistant
angela.thompson@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5638

Angie joined Pottawattamie Conservation in 2023. She comes to us with 25 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant with Lewis Central Schools. She works as an Administrative Assistant except during ski season when she spends her time as the Front Office Manager.

Angie has been married to her husband Cliff since 1987. They enjoy family time with their three sons and three grandchildren.

Kim Wickersham

Office Coordinator
kimberly.wickersham@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5638

Kim is a Wyoming native, growing up in Laramie. She has gradually migrated east with work until landing in Council Bluffs where her husband was raised. She graduated from McCook Community College, McCook, NE with an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. She then went on to Chadron State College in Chadron, NE and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and Two-Dimensional Fine Arts. In college, she did an internship with the Nebraska Game and Parks in Lincoln, NE in their graphic design department.

Since then she has worked in a variety of fields as a graphic designer, optical manager, and as an administrative assistant. It was this experience that prompted her move to Pottawattamie Conservation in February of 2020.

Growing up in Wyoming her family always enjoyed being outdoors which she still enjoys today. Kim shares her love of nature with her husband and two boys.