Our team and board

Mike supervises the DNA section of the Iowa Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory. The DCI Crime Lab is responsible for the recognition, recovery, packaging, sealing, and analysis of physical evidence, preparation of technical reports of the analysis and court testimony. Laboratory staff also participate in the training of law enforcement officers in evidence handling procedures and process crime scenes. Mike also serves on the Board of Directors for the SAFE Center of Iowa, which will be Iowa’s first standalone resource for sexual assault care, advocacy, and training.

Annie von Gillern, Board Vice Chair, joined the SAFE Center Board in 2026. Annie owns Rising Phoenix Wellness Center in Des Moines, where she practices as a clinical and forensic social worker and attorney. Her work focuses on families navigating custody and parenting arrangements, and providing trauma therapy for youth and adults who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault. She also serves on the State Domestic Abuse Death Review Subcommittee and enjoys volunteering as a coach for Mock Trial at Merrill Middle School and Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.

Alice is an experienced analyst and higher education compliance professional with a strong background in fiscal analysis, law enforcement, and campus safety. She has served as a Fiscal Analyst for the Iowa Legislature and as a Crime Analyst for the West Des Moines Police Department. Most recently, she held the position of Clery Program Manager and Deputy Title IX Coordinator with the Iowa State University Police Department, where she oversaw compliance with federal safety and equity regulations.

Alice earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and her Master of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alice is committed to data-driven decision-making, public service, and fostering safe, equitable communities.

Maria has been a victim counselor and advocate at Polk Crisis and Advocacy Services for the last 25 years. A native of Mexico, her experience in the antiviolence movement began during her undergraduate studies at a crisis center where she discovered her passion and the priceless impact of a collective voice.

In addition to her service on various boards, Maria served as a member of the Des Moines Public School Board since 2021 where she currently serves as Vice Chair. Maria has served on various boards and co-founded a non-profit community soccer program.

Jeri Babb, MSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN held several leadership roles during her 46-year nursing career. She recently retired from MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center after 35 years of service. Immediately prior to retirement, Jeri served as Director of Emergency and Trauma Services, with oversight of the adult and pediatric emergency/⁠trauma departments. During her tenure she developed a passion for the care of victims of sexual assault, realizing emergency departments are not staffed or equipped to provide the comprehensive care these patients deserved. Jeri continues to serve as a consultant, special project manager and educator for MercyOne and its affiliate hospitals. In 2026 she was awarded the Iowa Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) Career Achievement Award.

Jason Egge has worked in the financial service industry for 30 years. Seven years with The Principal Financial Group and the last 23 with Bankers Trust. Jason and his wife Sarah have two daughters Norah and Harper. Jason enjoys reading historical non-fiction, hunting, spending time with his wife Sarah, and visiting his daughters in Chicago and Kansas.

After his daughters “left the nest” he wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to him and his family.

Matt Nuetzman is a Senior HR & Business Solutions Consultant with Paychex, where he has spent the past 14 years helping businesses navigate human resources and business challenges. A graduate of Iowa State University, Matt combines his professional expertise with a strong commitment to community involvement and civic leadership.

Matt has been actively involved in the Greater Des Moines community, serving in leadership roles with several organizations. His past board involvement includes serving as Board Chair of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, serving with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Gloria Dei Foundation, and helping found genYP in 2011. He has also been involved with DMAM Rotary, reflecting his ongoing dedication to service and community development.

Matt lives in Urbandale with his wife and two children.

Mike is a seasoned public safety and law enforcement professional with over 40 years of experience in Illinois and Iowa, serving in roles from Patrol Officer to Police Chief. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration with a law enforcement emphasis and an M.A. in Criminal Justice. Mike was appointed by the Iowa Attorney General to lead several high-profile initiatives, including the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Enforcement & Prosecution Initiative, where he served until his retirement in 2016.

Today, he operates I Know a Guy Training & Consulting, LLC, providing advanced investigative training for public safety professionals. A retired U.S. Army officer and active veteran volunteer, Mike is also a reading mentor for local students and a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society judge.