Rob Allen, Executive Director
Rob joined the County Conservation Board in July of 2014 as our Operations Supervisor. Rob was previously the Wildlife Technician for the Hardin County Conservation Board where he had extensive experience with invasive species removal and native plant regeneration projects. Rob graduated from Iowa State University where he earned his BA in forestry. He appreciates living in this part of the state where he can enjoy the great lakes and marshes we have to offer. Rob is an avid hunter and fisherman. Rob is married to wife Kelly and has two daughters and one son.
Kaitlin Anderson, Naturalist
Kaitlin Steinle is the Naturalist and loves to share her knowledge of nature and the outdoors. Kaitlin grew up in Garner, Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in biology. She began working for PACCB and Lost Island Nature Center in January 2018. Kaitlin enjoys small town living and likes to explore new parks, as well as walking with her dog, and running.
Blake Jesse, Operations Supervisor
Blake joined the County Conservation Board in April of 2019 as Park Ranger. Blake was educated at Newell-Fonda Community School, Iowa Lakes Community College and graduated from Iowa State University where he studied animal ecology with an emphasis in fisheries. He gained an appreciation for the environment growing up on an acreage and spent most of his time outside. Blake enjoys hunting, fishing, and being out in nature.
Penny Murphy, Nature Center Assistant
Penny joined the County Conservation Board in April 2025. She is a graduate of Buena Vista University with a major in Human Services and Psychology. In her free time, Penny enjoys fishing and spending time with her grandkids and family. Penny grew up in Ruthven, where she spent much of her time outdoors. With an appreciation for the outdoors, Penny is ready to support the Nature Center.
Dallas Horne, Park Technician
Dallas joined the County Conservation in June 2025. Dallas grew up in Tama Iowa. He is a graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries. Dallas has always loved spending time out in nature either sitting in the tree stand or chasing pheasants through the prairies.