Meet the Government Relations & School Finance Team
Our Government Relations Team works to help IASB members be a strong and effective voice for public education. They create advocacy toolkits and other resources for members, along with maintaining powerful coalitions with other education organizations on certain issues impacting public education. They work with the IASB Legislative Resolutions Committee to determine our annual legislative priorities and lobby at the Capitol each legislative session to make sure these priorities are met.Our School Finance Team helps ensure that members have a clear picture of their financial health with IASB’s Financial Focus toolkits. These tools help support strong financial planning that aligns the district budget with its goals, ensure risk management practices are in place, and include a comprehensive understanding of Iowa’s school funding formula.
Your IASB staff consultants are a phone call or email away to assist you with using these tools. They also offer custom facilitated workshops that can help one board or a group of boards consider their work.
Michael Guanci
Associate Executive Director, Government Relations & School Finance
Graduate of Benicia Unified School District, CA
Michael Guanci has been the Associate Executive Director of Government Relations & School Finance since 2024. In his position, Michael serves as the association’s lead expert on government relations, public education funding policy and school finance. He serves an active role providing school finance services, resources, and supports to IASB members and oversees the establishment of a comprehensive government relations program to advance the public policy goals of IASB members.
Prior to joining IASB, Michael served as the Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst at the Iowa Department of Management. He brings nearly 10 years of experience in legislative policymaking and advocacy from his time at the Department of Management and Legislative Services Agency. Michael was also selected to sit on the steering committee for the Legislative Education Staff Network (LESN). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University.
Michael can be reached via email or by calling (515) 247-7054.
Email Michael
Jan Miller-Hook
School Finance Director
Graduate of Creston Community Schools
Jan Miller-Hook has been the School Finance Director at the Iowa Association of School Boards® since 2022. In her role, Jan creates and delivers information and educational resources for IASB members and support organizations on school finance and fiscal stewardship, as well as supports IASB advocacy efforts on school funding with recommendations on public policy.Jan has 20 years of experience in PK–12 finances, including over 14 years as the Chief Financial Officer for the Johnston Community Schools. Jan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Central College and is a graduate of the Iowa Association of School Business Officials Academy. She graduated from Creston Community Schools.
Jan can be reached via email or by calling (515) 247-7031.
Email Jan
Michelle Johnson
Government Relations Director
Graduate of Ankeny Community Schools
Michelle Johnson has been the Government Relations Director at the Iowa Association of School Boards® since December 2022. Prior to this, Michelle served as the Government Relations & School Finance Specialist, working to support the Government Relations & School Finance Team in their work with IASB members.Prior to joining IASB, Michelle ran a state legislative campaign in NE Iowa and spent two legislative sessions working at the Capitol. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from Iowa State University and is a graduate of Ankeny Community Schools.
Michelle can be reached via email or by calling (515) 247-7020.
Email Michelle
Emily Piper
Lobbyist
Graduate of Columbus North Community Schools in Columbus, Indiana
Emily Piper has worked for the Iowa Association of School Boards® since 2008. She leads IASB advocacy efforts on behalf of public schools at the Iowa State Legislature, the Governor’s Office, the State Board of Education, administrative rules hearings, state commissions, and state and federal courts. Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degrees from Miami University, and a Masters in Public Administration degree from Drake University.She is integral in developing resources, education and opportunities for school board members interested in engaging in advocacy. In addition to lobbying for IASB, Emily has represented a variety of clients before the Iowa Legislature and Congress. Emily is a proud foster dog mom with Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa.
Emily can be reached via email or by calling (515) 247-7045.
Email Emily
Eric Northrup
Government Relations & School Finance Specialist
Graduate of Baxter Community Schools
Eric has been the Government Relations & School Finance Specialist at IASB since 2026. In his role, Eric supports IASB's advocacy efforts and school finance work by tracking legislation, managing data tools and website content, and assisting members with questions. He also assists with translating complex school finance and policy information into clear, useful resources for members and stakeholders.
Prior to joining IASB, Eric was an intern for a U.S. Senate campaign and worked on other campaigns doing canvasing and caucusing work. During elections, he works on voter education outreach and assists with getting voters access to polling places. He grew up working on his family farm with his father. Eric is a graduate of Iowa State University with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Eric can be reached via email or by calling (515) 247-7027.
Email Eric
6000 Grand Ave., Ste. A
Des Moines, IA 50312
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