Who We Are
The Coralville Lake Foundation is a volunteer group with a diverse background from many different areas of expertise. What brings us together is our passion for the water and the Lake. Learn more about us individually below.
Jon Kounkel
President
Jon Kounkel grew up an avid boater in Spirit Lake, IA, working at Okoboji Boats and spending the entire summer on the lakes. After graduating from Iowa State University with a Mechanical Engineering degree, Jon moved around the world for years with 3M before starting a position with Collins Aerospace and settling down with his wife and 2 daughters in North Liberty, IA. His passion for water led him to the Friends of Coralville Lake, where he became the Vice President in 2016 and served as President since 2020. In 2025 Jon became President of the newly formed Coralville Lake Foundation 501c4. In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his friends and family, traveling, and anything outdoors...especially on the water!
Matt McDowell
Vice President
When not working on data analysis and just-in-time inventory solutions, you can find Matt on the water. Native to Eastern Iowa, Coralville Lake is his second home in the summertime, where he enjoys slalom skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and teaching others to do the same. After graduating from the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa in 2013, he moved around the country for a few years and settled in North Liberty in 2022 with his wife and black lab, Piper, and they are proud to call it home. After being the Vice President of Friends of Coralville Lake in 2021 through 2025 and helping the organization grow through public events and online presence, forming The Coralville Lake Foundation was the next step in Matt’s mission to save the lake. He also enjoys hiking, woodworking, and traveling.
Derrick Parker
Treasurer
Derrick is a Senior Program Manager (VSL) for Collins Aerospace. He has an MBA from FIU, a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and has lived in the area since 2004. He is the Treasurer for Coralville Lake Foundation, on the Benton County Conservation Board, the Treasurer for the Friends of Coralville Lake and an active member of the Iowa Snowdrifters. He enjoys the area around Coralville Lake by biking (trails and single track), canoeing, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, SxS riding, hunting and camping. Derrick would like to ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the lake and surrounding recreational opportunities.
Craig Just
Board Member
Craig Just is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa where he has worked since 1993. Craig and his family enjoy boating, camping, and hiking on and around Coralville Lake. Craig has a variety of professional and personal experience related to water quality issues in Iowa and beyond
Interested in joining our team? Looking for volunteer opportunities?
Email us at CoralvilleLakeFoundation@gmail.com
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