Susan Johnston is founder and executive director at Central Furniture Rescue. Leaning on her 25-plus years of experience in operations and project management, Susan took an idea, implemented it, and now is focused on scaling this program with the goal of helping as many individuals and families as possible turn “places to live” into homes.
Kellie Houser-Stessman brings more than 30 years of executive leadership and operations experience to Central Furniture Rescue. Throughout her career, she has successfully led large-scale retail operations, developed high-performing teams, and guided organizations through periods of growth and transformation. She is known for her ability to build strong systems, develop future leaders, and create sustainable operational excellence. Her passion for servant leadership and community impact makes her a valuable addition to the CFR team.
Stacie Wallingford is the Fair Lending Officer/Consumer Loan Underwriting Lead at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company and has been with the company since 2014. She believes in the importance making an impact on our community and after doing a work leadership project with CFR, she discovered how important the mission of CFR is in our community and is excited to help contribute to that mission. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking, family vacations and volunteering in various organizations with her husband and three grown daughters.
I am passionate about helping individuals who have hit a bump in the road get back on their feet by looking at all aspects of a person’s life to build a healthier, happier future. Through a holistic, housing-based approach, I work to combat homelessness and behavioral health challenges while helping individuals find stability and hope. In my role with Iowa Public Health, I am committed to strengthening individuals and communities through compassionate support and connection.
Scott Zogg is a retired executive from Collins Aerospace with 35 years of engineering and leadership experience. In addition to serving on the board of Central Furniture Rescue, Scott also serves on the board of the Cedar Rapids Society of St. Vincent de Paul and leads the deanery team which established and supports Walking With Moms ln Need at seven Catholic parishes in the Cedar Rapids area. As an ordained deacon for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, along with his parish responsibilities, Scott is deeply engaged in the Cedar Rapids community, volunteering at Metro Catholic Outreach food bank and leading spiritual retreats and retreats for engaged couples.
Tyler McDermott currently serves as the Vice President of Operational Risk, Connected Technology Group, at GreatAmerica Financial Services, having been with the organization since 2012. With an extensive background in Risk Management, Financial Analysis, and Credit Underwriting, he joined Central Furniture Rescue to provide meaningful change with our community. His interest in CFR started after volunteering his time through a work sponsored event. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, including wife JoAnna and their two young children, spending time with friends, and taking in all things Hawkeye sports.
Danielle Rodriguez has several years of experience working in the non-profit community in Cedar Rapids. She focuses her interest and attention, to secure safe and stable housing for members in our community. Danielle believes, if a person has a home, they can focus on their barriers and health to become an active member in our communities. Danielle is taking her years of experience, to uplift the agency To The Rescue, as the Assistant of Human Services with a focus on housing.
New to the Central Furniture Rescue board in 2024, Shelby Breberg is a Licensed Social Worker with Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital. She is also an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, with over 15 years of experience in the field of human services. Shelby is passionate about serving the community and assisting people with gaining access to services and resources. At home, Shelby enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing UNO and taking care of their many houseplants.
Accomplished leader recognized for cultivating engaged teams, building trusted partnerships, and elevating patient and customer care through collaborative leadership. Extensive experience guiding operations, developing impactful programs, and advancing strategic growth within healthcare, nonprofit, and public health settings. Passionate about empowering teams, strengthening communities, and delivering sustainable results through thoughtful, relationship-driven leadership.
As an HR Analyst focused on recruitment and employee engagement for Linn County, I enjoy connecting people to meaningful opportunities and building relationships that strengthen our community. With experience in recruiting, event planning, project management, and employee development, I’m passionate about helping others discover their “why” and grow both personally and professionally. Outside of work, I’m an active community volunteer, Junior League of Cedar Rapids member, book club enthusiast, cat lover, and always happy to connect over coffee and conversation.
