Mackenzie Bandow

The President & Co-Founder

Mackenzie has been a dedicated member of SHIFT ATL since its inception in 2019, helping drive its mission forward and positively impacting the community. She is serving as SHIFT ATL President for 2025!

Originally from Eddyville, Iowa, Mackenzie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Central College. She and her husband, Zack, moved to Atlantic in 2016 when he began his career as a dentist at Atlantic Dental Center. Since then, Mackenzie has been a full-time stay-at-home mom to Rolla (😎 and Archie (5).

In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with family, golfing, traveling, and outdoor adventures with her boys.

For Mackenzie, SHIFT ATL has been a way to live out her lifelong goal of making a meaningful difference in the community. She strongly believes that anything is possible when people work together toward a common goal.

"Over the years, my reasons for wanting to be involved in nonprofit work have changed. I was blessed to be raised by parents who put a strong emphasis on faith in Christ and selflessness; I've learned that my passion for volunteering comes from these core values and the deeper meaning and purpose that it has given my life. I feel very grateful to all who have supported SHIFT ATL, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our great community."

Mackenzie’s heart for service and dedication to Atlantic’s growth make her an invaluable part of the SHIFT ATL team!

Claire Swanson

The Co-Vice President

Claire joined the SHIFT ATL board in January 2025 and currently serves as Co-Vice President.

Originally from Papillion, Nebraska, Claire and her husband, Casey, moved to Atlantic in 2013—his hometown—after spending a few years in Colorado while he served in the Army. She is a teacher at ACSD and stays busy keeping up with their four children and their many activities.

Claire is thrilled to be part of SHIFT ATL because she truly loves the Atlantic community and has always wanted to play a role in shaping its future. “This opportunity allows me to give back and work toward making a lasting impact on the community we are so proud to call home.”

Ashley Coffman

The Co-Vice President

Ashley joined the SHIFT ATL board in January 2025 and serves as Co-Vice President.

Born and raised in Atlantic, Iowa, Ashley left to attend Iowa State University, where she met her husband, Michael. The two built their careers in Ankeny, Iowa—Ashley as a teacher and Michael as a chef—but after 12 years, they were ready for their next adventure. In 2020, they moved back to Atlantic with their five daughters—Aydrie (17), Saige (15), Henley (13), Hendryx (12), and Lennyn (8)—to embrace a small hobby farm lifestyle, growing their own food, planting an orchard, and sharing their abundance with family and friends.

Ashley loves all things outdoors—hiking, biking, exploring, sledding, tubing, and swimming. She’s also passionate about amazing food and nutrition, something she and Michael love to experience together. When she’s not enjoying the outdoors, she’s cheering on her daughters at their events or heading to the mountains for family vacations.

Ashley joined SHIFT ATL because she remembers the vibrant community she grew up in and wants today’s families—especially her daughters—to have the same enriching experiences. "My hope is to continue building on all the positive shifts happening in Atlantic, bringing more families together, and leaving a lasting impact on our community."

Emily Kennedy

The Treasurer

Emily has been an integral part of SHIFT ATL since joining the board in 2020 and is serving as Treasurer for 2025.

Originally from Brandon, Iowa, Emily and her husband, Zak, moved to Cass County in 2006 and later settled in Atlantic in 2021. They farm and stay busy with their three active daughters.

Emily is a graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in Housing and Resource Management and a minor in Psychology. When she learned about the newly formed SHIFT ATL nonprofit, she immediately knew it aligned with her passions—economic development, restoring old buildings and homes, volunteering, and collaborating with like-minded people to help Atlantic thrive.

Her dedication and expertise continue to be a driving force in SHIFT’s mission to revitalize and strengthen the community!

Jodie Hogue

The Secretary

Jodie joined the SHIFT ATL board in January 2025 and serves as Secretary.

Originally from Stanton, Iowa, Jodie moved to Atlantic in 2011 with her husband, Devin, when he joined the Atlantic Police Department. She has been a first-grade teacher at Washington Elementary since 2012, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. Jodie and Devin stay busy with their two children, Charlie (6) and Cullen (3), and love making the most of family time.

Jodie enjoys all things outdoors—especially biking, spending time at the pool, and exploring new places with her kids.

She joined SHIFT ATL because she wants to help create a fun, vibrant, and energetic community where her children—and all local families—can thrive. "Atlantic already has so much good, and I hope to help people recognize these opportunities and build upon them. My goal is to bring people together through events, activities, and improvements that make our town an even more welcoming place to live and visit."

Ashley Kelly

The Social Media Manager

Ashley joined SHIFT ATL in January 2024 as the organization’s first and only paid staff member. She plays a key role in managing the Airbnb, running social media, and creating graphics that help share SHIFT’s mission with the community.

Ashley is passionate about revitalizing Atlantic through projects, services, and programs that enhance the community and foster growth. She strongly believes in beautification efforts and creating spaces that bring people together. Some of her favorite SHIFT moments have been the Summer Soirées and seeing the incredible home renovations that SHIFT has completed to modernize and elevate housing in Atlantic.

A little about Ashley:

📍 She grew up in Mattoon, IL and attended Evangel Univeristy in Springfield, MO.

👩‍❤️‍👨 She met her husband, Caleb, in college, and they moved to Atlantic in 2021—his hometown, which quickly felt like home to her too.

📚 She loves reading, board and card games, and spending time with her four cats (yes, FOUR! 🐾).

🤝 She enjoys connecting with family, friends, church, and the Jazzercise community.

Ashley loves being a part of SHIFT ATL’s impact and is excited to keep contributing to Atlantic’s growth and transformation!