Iowa Confluence Water Trails recently held the first meeting of its board of directors, introducing the more than 20-member board, bringing members up to date on the project and sharing other information. The ICON board of directors will oversee the organization’s operation and maintenance, including its budget, governance and project coordination. The more than $120 million initiative is expected to connect more than 80 improvements along 150 miles of waterways in Central Iowa. It is a collective, regional effort that includes more than a dozen participating jurisdictions. During the meeting, which was held virtually, Dan Houston, the chair, president and CEO of Principal Financial Group, agreed to continue his service as board co-chair. He had previously served as co-chair on the former Central Iowa Water Trails board before the organization was rebranded in July. ICON Water Trails Director Maggie McClelland, said the board is still in the process of choosing a public-sector co-chair to serve with Houston. The next scheduled meetings for the ICON Water Trails board are Dec. 14, Feb. 8, April 12 and June 14. In a news release, McClelland commended board members for their participation in moving the initiative forward. “It’s exciting to have this group together and leading the charge for ICON,” she said. “We are fortunate to have such impactful, collaborative individuals supporting the project and its goals.”