Melissa Hvitved recently took the helms at the NICC – Cresco Center as the center’s new coordinator. Hvitved started at her new position May 12.
    Hvitved said she enjoys having the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people in her new position.
    “I love that it’s something new everyday,” Hvitved said.
    The new NICC coordinator graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in public administration. She then worked as a patient service coordinator with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Cedar Falls for about eight years.
    She then worked as Luther College’s Assistant Director for Annual Giving.
    While she was employed at Luther College, she discovered that she has a passion for working with students. She is enjoying working with students of all ages, from high school up to adults continuing their education, at the NICC – Cresco Center.
    “It’s nice to know that I may be able to help someone,” she said.
    While Hvitved is originally from Boone, her husband, Aaron, is a Cresco native. The couple recently bought a house in town. Hvitved said she and her husband always planned to settle down in Cresco.
    “We knew this is where we wanted to raise a family,” she said.
    The timing worked out well for that plan, as Hvitved is due to have a baby girl this October.
    Hvitved is also looking forward to becoming involved in the community. She has already begun attending Howard County Economic Development meetings and said she is excited to get involved with the Cresco Chamber of Commerce and with other local organizations.
    Hvitved replaced former NICC – Cresco Center Coordinator Erin Ludwig, who took a position as Family Resource Management Field Specialist with Howard County Iowa State University Extension.