Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Nathan Mueller Assistant Director of Planning, Development, and […]
Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees.
Nathan Mueller
Assistant Director of Planning, Development, and Sustainability | Johnson County
Age: 38
Family: Wife, Kelli; daughters, Ella and Mia;
parents, Mike and Glenda; brothers,Â
Matt and Joe.
Residence: Solon, Iowa
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Education: University of Iowa — Bachelor's degree in Political Science; Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning
What was your first job? Detasseling corn. My first full time job was as a poll worker coordinator for the Johnson County Auditor's Office.
Best advice you ever received? "Do your best. No matter how effective you are at first, if you're always doing your best you're always moving toward ‘better.’" This helps me keep perspective and realize that even if I'm not proficient at something right away, if I just continue to try my best improvement will usually follow.
What do you consider your "big break" in your career, so far? As cliche as it may sound, I consider being hired at Johnson County as my "big break." After graduate school, I took a job as Clinton County Planning and Development Director. While moving from Director to Assistant Director was a step down in title, the move from a smaller county to a larger, dynamic, and growing county completely changed the nature of my work and my career.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? I think it would be a toss-up between learning that I am an avid houseplant enthusiast - especially Jade plants and other succulents (I have over 55 plants between my house and my office). Or that I played the viola throughout high school and college.Â
What are your passions outside of the workplace? As my kids have gotten older, I've really enjoyed getting more involved in the activities they've started to pursue. It's been super interesting over the past few years to watch as my girls discover and try different things and find what they enjoy, and then finding ways I can engage and contribute, both through volunteering as well as leadership.