Executive Committee

Amy Meskimen is the First Vice President of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women, formerly serving as state Secretary 2021-2023.  Amy became involved in politics a few years ago after being invited to a Scott County Republican Women’s luncheon. She then became a SCRW member prior to the 2020 election. Amy has spent a lot of time learning about the importance of good leadership at all levels of government, right down to our local school boards. She sees the importance of bringing truth and history back to the forefront of conversations. Educating our youth on the history of our country is vital.

Amy resides in Eldridge, Iowa with her husband and four children. From Junior High to College, they keep her and her husband busy with their activities and schedules.

Amy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education. She then attended Western Illinois University where she obtained her Educational Leadership degree. She taught many years in both the private and public schools. She loves spending time at home with her children and is now a Manager with a health and wellness company, Arbonne.  She also offers a couple days a week as a substitute teacher.

Julie Ulrich, the Director of Food Services at Olin Elementary, has a multifaceted background that includes 25 years in customer service and sales, a decade of nonprofit leadership, and over 10 years of farming with her husband. Her professional experience is matched by her dedication to her community, where she has served as a certified Firefighter 1 with the Olin Fire Department and actively participates in the Jones County Republican Central Committee, President of the Jones County Republican Women’s club, School Nutrition Association of Iowa (SNAI) Legislative Committee, and Martelle Christian Church.

As someone who values growth and change, Julie’s enthusiasm and passion drive her success in every aspect of her life, both personal and professional. A mom, grandma, daughter, and wife, Julie’s commitment to being a positive force is evident in all she does.

Jennifer Dumas has a 20+ year history of working and volunteering in Iowa politics.  Her career started as a field organizer for the Iowa Caucus campaign of presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole in 2000. After the caucuses, Jen worked for the Iowa Heart Association lobbying in Iowa and Nebraska. Her path then led her to work in the Iowa Capitol for Senate Majority Leader Stewart Iverson in 2001-2003.

After the birth of her first child, Jen provided contract work for Victory Enterprises while raising her three kids.  In 2017 she was elected Treasurer of the Scott County Republican Women. She would go on to serve as Vice President and then President, a role she completed in 2023. During her time as President she helped grow the club into the largest in Iowa in addition to implementing a new nightly program alongside her leadership team.

Jen is now Treasurer of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women.  She is married to Brian Dumas and proud mother of Jack(20), Lily(19) and Charlie(16),  residing in LeClaire, Iowa.

Barbara Hames-Bryant is President of a three-generation family housing business based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Hames – The Homes People ®, founded in 1969, provides beautiful, affordable factory-built homes for Eastern Iowans, as well as manufactured housing communities, financing, insurance and site-built homes.

Barbara is immediate past President of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women 2020-2023, 2018-2019 President of Five Seasons Republican Women in Linn County, and Treasurer 2014-2017. As president of the FSRW she and the Board developed a new web site, created a membership directory, planned well-attended monthly events, encouraged active volunteerism, and grew 34% in membership. Barbara is also a current board member of Linn Eagles Republican PAC.

Barbara and her family actively support local, county, state and national GOP candidates through fundraising and events.  As her late father, Curt Hames, would say, “Politics is not a spectator sport. If you don’t get involved, you deserve the government that you get.”

Barbara has her BA in Economics and Spanish with a minor in Management from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  She holds a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.  After working in banking and software in the Phoenix area, she moved with her husband, Dan Bryant, and children Kelly and Sean back to Iowa in 2000.

Gwen Ecklund has extensive experience in service to the public, both in politics and non-profits.  She was past state president of Iowa Federal of Republican Women twice, and served in various offices.  Since 1990 she’s also stayed active at the National FRW level participating on several committees, as well as the Board of Directors and Member at Large.

Gwen has served as director of the Big Sioux Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Iowa Republican Legislative Majority Fund.  She was Organization Director for Tom Latham for Congress.

Gwen has recently been appointed as Iowa chair of Maggie’s List, a political action committee which is focused on electing conservative women to federal public office.