Career Professionals of Iowa

CPI Leadership 2025-2026:

Get to Know the Team

Andrea Lohf, President

Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA

Input | Empathy | Relator | Context | Harmony

Andrea Lohf is the Associate Director of Operations and Career Coaching at Cornell College. Prior to her role at Cornell, Andrea served as an Academic Department Coordinator in the Allied Health Department at Kirkwood Community College and spent several years working in educational testing development. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wartburg College and Master of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University. Andrea enjoys the close-knit community of CPI and looks forward to bolstering that feeling among members this year as president. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and playing Baldur’s Gate 3.

Kelsey Bolton, President-Elect

Simpson College, Indianola, IA

Achiever | Learner | Harmony | Relator | Analytical

Kelsey Bolton is the Director of Career Development at Simpson College. Starting as Internship Coordinator in 2022, she stepped into the director role in 2024, where she continues to work with students on achieving meaningful steps towards their professional goals. With a background in teaching psychology at Drake University, Simpson College, and DMACC, Kelsey blends academic insight with practical career guidance. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Simpson and an M.S. in School Counseling from Drake. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Kelsey looks forward to working with her fellow career professionals to bring forth opportunities to enhance our work with students. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, being outdoors, trying new recipes, reading psychological thrillers, and being social. 

Miriam Skrade, Past-President

Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA

Individualization | Activator | Positivity | Relator | Empathy

Miriam Skrade is the Director of Honors and Experiential Learning at Upper Iowa University. Before that, she worked in the Career Center at Luther College in 2017 as the CliftonStrengths Program Coordinator and the fun has grown from there. In addition to these roles, Miriam has coached college, high school, and club tennis, taught human anatomy, was a cashier at a local food coop, and a bookkeeper in Alaska. She holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Iowa State University. Miriam is passionate about world travel, the board game Wingspan, CliftonStrengths, social justice, parenting and pregnancy, building confidence in others, most forms of dance, and pickleball! 

Kalindi Garvin, Treasurer

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Harmony | Intellection | Relator | Learner | Positivity

Kalindi Garvin is a relationship-builder, storyteller, and framework creator who leads Engineering Career Services at the University of Iowa. In her role, she connects students and employers through hands-on career programming, strategic industry partnerships, and initiatives designed to help engineering majors step confidently into their next chapter. Her background includes directing career services at Mount Mercy University and serving in corporate communications at Collins Aerospace, where she helped technical teams bring their work to life through clear, compelling storytelling. She’s passionate about designing tools, templates, and programming that help others succeed—and is continually refining the systems that support meaningful, sustainable work.

Outside of work, Kalindi is a proud mom of four—two grown sons, a daughter heading to college, and a rising high school sophomore. She finds joy in long walks with her goldendoodles, reading classic literature, and noticing glimmers—the small, meaningful moments that spark gratitude, clarity, or connection. She’s excited to support CPI’s mission and contribute to a purposeful and connected year ahead.

Rachel Powell, Communications Specialist

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA

Connectedness | Developer | Individualization | Intellection | Input

Rachel started her career services adventure in 2008 and currently serves as a Career Coach at Kirkwood Community College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Higher Education: College Administration and Leadership. In 2024, she became a Board Certified Coach (BCC), one of only 12 in the state of Iowa. A dedicated advocate for student success, Rachel has been an active member of Career Professionals of Iowa (CPI) since 2012, including serving on the Mentorship/P2P committee. Rachel is committed to empowering individuals throughout their career development journey. She resides in Cedar Rapids with her husband, Troy, their two dogs (Betsy and Paisley), and their cat (George).

Emily George, Digital Strategist

Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Developer | Positivity | Empathy | Communication | Woo

Emily George is a Career Advisor for Engineering Career Services at Iowa State University. Emily graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Development. Emily is passionate about teaching, advising, and supporting students as they develop themselves and their goals as they transition in, through, and out of college. Emily’s previous work includes teaching second grade and serving as K-State’s Strengths Grad Assistant, where she coordinated a campus wide CliftonStrengths initiative. She has a passion for relationship building and professional development and is excited to support CPI in fostering collaboration and learning for career professionals across Iowa. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to Taylor Swift, and binging shows like New Girl and The Office.

Dana Powers, Secretary

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Empathy | Individualization | Developer | Strategic | Learner

Dana Powers is an Assistant Director of Careers and Engagement at the Tippie College of Business, serving the undergraduate student population. She is passionate about connecting with each student at their unique starting points and works to ensure each student feels valued and confident as they progress in their career journey. Before her role at Tippie, Dana spent time working in Talent Acquisition, gaining experience in both high volume and strategic recruitment. Dana is a Wisconsin native who moved to Iowa three years ago and loves the feel of home that Iowa immediately brought to her. Outside of work, Dana likes to spend time with friends and family, read, and explore new restaurants and shops.