Silos & Smokestacks announces retirement of long-time president

Following a lifelong career in agriculture, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) President Don Short recently announced plans to retire later this year.

Short has farmed and also spent several years in the seed business, working for Moews Seed Company and Pioneer/Dupont Seed.

The Winthrop native brought his love for agriculture to Silos & Smokestacks in January 2001, when he took over the lead role for the Heritage Area. During his time with SSNHA, Short was heavily involved in federal legislation and developing corporate partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s coordinating entity.

“Working with the federal government and receiving federal funding was a new experience,” said Short. “You learn very quickly that not everything sticks and the battle never ends.”

The SSNHA Board of Trustees will soon launch a nationwide search for the Heritage Area’s new president and hope to have the position filled by mid-summer.

During the transition, Short plans to continue to work with Silos & Smokestacks on a part time/consultant basis, primarily in areas related to federal legislation and funding. Short plans to enjoy retirement with his wife, Janet, attending classic car auctions, fishing and visiting his grandchildren.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work at Silos & Smokestacks,” Short said. “No two days were ever the same and the staff and board of trustees were the best ever to work with.”

SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is affiliated with the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa, from Interstate 80 on the south and Interstate 35 on the west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities — past and present.

Source: Iowapork