Jill Lane is the Resilient Communities Wapello County Program Manager. Born and raised in Iowa, she is passionate about building connections, supporting families, and caring for kids. Jill earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Indian Hills Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University. She has been working to build resilience in our community since 2012 through home visitation programming, teaching parents the art of infant massage, leading Positive Solutions for Families Workshops, and hosting Parent Cafes.
“Ottumwa has so many community-minded leaders. As I expand beyond the human service field, I knew Ottumwa Leadership Academy would help me make connections across the community,” Jill shared regarding her interest in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. “Not only has it helped me build new relationships, but it has also helped me learn about the areas of strength in our community as well as areas of need.”
When Jill learned of her top CliftonStrengths – Relator, Responsibility, Harmony, Developer, and Discipline – she felt validated. “Many of these traits I recognized in myself, but now I know to view them as the strengths that they are. I have also learned the value in aligning myself with those who have different strengths than I do,” said Lane.
Jill’s class project team is working to help the Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa location grow its volunteer base. “The Food Bank of Iowa relies on volunteers to sort, check and pack food for distribution. Many households in Wapello County experience food insecurities, and we are lucky enough to have access to a distribution center right here in Ottumwa. By volunteering, you can have an impact in Ottumwa and across the state. Their vision for a hunger-free Iowa needs all of us,” she said.
Jill has served as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with the Iowa Child Advocacy Board since 2019. She also served on the Future Business Leaders of America Fairfield Chapter board during the 2020-2021 school year. Outside of work, and depending on the season, Jill and her husband Mike can be found cheering on their two teenage daughters on the track, volleyball court, or on the stage.
