Sioux City, Iowa—Morningside University announces seven new board members. 

Cindy Barrett Brewer ’82 had held leadership roles across companies like Kmart, H.J. Heinz, Avon, Procter & Gamble, and Hormel Foods. Cindy has dedicated herself to volunteerism and community impact. She has served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Junior League of Sioux City, Susan G. Komen Siouxland, and Leadership Siouxland, earning accolades like the Dorothy Eaton Palmer Award and the President Bush Volunteer Service Award. Her passion for service extends to initiatives like the Riverfront Project, RAGBRAI, and the Okoboji Foundation. Today, Cindy remains an engaged alumna, supporting Morningside students and celebrating the lifelong friendships and experiences that continue to shape her life. 

Paul DeBey ‘84, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management, brings over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, helping clients and colleagues achieve their financial goals. During his time at Morningside, he was a standout athlete, playing baseball and basketball, and was a starter on the 1983 Final Four and 1984 Elite Eight basketball teams. He was inducted into the Morningside Hall of Fame in 1987. Paul’s extensive financial expertise will benefit the Finance/Facilities and Investment Committee. He and his wife, Karmin ‘86, live in Kansas City and have three grown sons. 

Mark Gambaiana ‘82 is a retired fundraising professional with more than 30 years of experience in external relations. He served in Vice Presidential roles at Truman State University and ChildServe in Johnston, IA, for 16 years, leading both organizations through successful capital campaigns. He has additional experience as a fundraising consultant and Development Director at Iowa State University. Gambaiana served Morningside in various roles from 1985 to 1998, including Alumni Relations Director, Assistant Public Relations Officer, Major Gifts Officer, and Sports Information Director. Gambaiana lives in Des Moines and is a member of the Iowa Golf Association Foundation Board of Directors and formerly served the International FOP Association, a rare disease patient advocacy group, as board member and president. He has also volunteered on multiple fundraising campaigns. 

Michel O. Lundula is an ordained clergy in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, currently serving as Superintendent of the Northwest District and Dean of the Cabinet for the 2025-2026 church calendar year. He holds degrees from Africa University, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Troy University. Michel has served in various pastoral roles across Iowa and is a founding member of the French Ministry of Sioux City and Le Mars. Passionate about education, he serves on the Board of Directors at Morningside University and supports children’s education in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Compassion Educational Pursuits. Married to Berth Lundula, they have four children, with their eldest attending Morningside University this fall. 

James Palmer is President and CEO of Tegra Corporation. He holds both a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado. A sixth-generation Sioux Cityan, James is an active community leader with board experience including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Siouxland, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s, among others.  He brings to the board a strong background in operational improvement, efficiency, and organizational alignment. 

Richard A. Waller, a longtime banking executive and community leader in Sioux City, retired in 2016 as CEO and board chair of Security National Corporation after a 44-year career, during which the bank’s assets grew from $300 million to over $1 billion. A University of Northern Iowa graduate, Waller began his career as a teacher and coach before joining Security National Bank in 1972, where he rose through various leadership roles, including president, chair, and CEO. In 2016, he received the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce’s W. Edwards Deming Business Leadership and Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Actively involved in nonprofit and civic organizations, Waller has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including Goodwill Industries, United Way of Siouxland, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and Morningside College, where he also served as board chair.

Deon Williams is the 2025/2026 Morningside University Student Body President. Originally from Laurens, Iowa, Deon came to Morningside to pursue his passion for wrestling. Starting in the X Path program, Deon discovered a calling to become an educator and later on become a principal. Outside of his academics and athletics, Deon is actively involved in campus life. He serves as a member of WOO Crew, BCA, and is a student ambassador here at Morningside, proudly representing Morningside in all that he does.