Portrait of a Lady - Christie Trifone

Where are you from?
Originally Tennessee but I grew up in Dubuque, IA
What did you do before? I have worked for many different organizations including Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the EPA, and the Army Corp of Engineers, Soil & Water Conservation Service & the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

What brought you to your current position?
I was promoted to Development Director to help secure funds to provide stability and longevity to the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation

What has been the most interesting aspect of your work?
All of the different people I have been so fortunate to meet.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding time to get everything done that I want to get done

Tell me about your family?
I have a 7 year old son, Gavin, who is my inspiration and my world. He is the most imaginative person I have ever met. He can turn a stick into a sword and then a light saber and then a magic wand all in the same breathe. He has grown up in the outdoors with his mommy and enjoys many of the same activities I enjoy which include camping, hiking, fishing and biking.

I just recently got engaged and am planning to get married in 2010. My fiancé’s name is Jim. He lives in Dubuque and is a lead supervisor at Hodge Logistics which is one of the main subcontractors for John Deere. When I got engaged I was lucky to not only find my partner for life Jim but I also got a new daughter as well! He name is Ashley. She is 11 years old. She is just as active as I am and we have so much in common. I really cherish the time I get to spend with her.

Any pets?
No pets as of yet. I keep telling the kids I would be so happy to have a dog if someone would clean up the poopy! I seem to lose their interest after I mention that.

Who are you inspired by?
My son is my first and most important inspiration but I have many more! I am inspired by all the wonderful people that pour their hearts and souls into volunteering and working with the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. I get inspired when a child asks me what a bug is and wants to know more. I am inspired by an elderly man who can clean up garbage on the street. I am inspired by those that have very little yet they give so much of themselves. I find inspiration in many things. I think when you love what you do and believe in it, inspiration can be found just about anywhere.

Favorite Movie?
Dances with Wolves

What is in your refrigerator?
Yogurt, cheese, crumpets, milk, fruit & veggies!

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party dead or alive, who would you invite?
My dinner party would be intimate. I can learn all I need to know about famous people in books so I don’t have a real desire to sit at a table with John Muir or Einstein. The one person that I would invite would be my father. He passed away when I was only 4 weeks old. I would love to meet him and pick his brain!!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Backbone State Park. Devils Lake is good too!
Your favorite pastime is . . . camping

What has been your largest personal challenge?
Knowing when to say no. I tend to be way overcommitted!

What are you most proud of?
My son, of course!!

Are you living your dream?

Absolutely! Not only do I have the family I always dreamed of, I have a career I love! When I was in high school and they asked us what we wanted to do for the rest of our lives I quickly said that I wanted to pick wildflowers and walk through the woods. Here I am today, preserving not picking the wildflowers, touring people on the beautiful properties that the foundation owns and educating everyone I know about the beauty and importance of nature. I am so lucky!!