Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Brandon Gutteridge

Brandon Gutteridge, from Kansas City, Mo., is the Team Leader for Maple 1 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on January 8, 2013, to start his 11-month service term leading a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Maple 1 is made up of 10 people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

“I enjoyed my first year of service,” Brandon said, “and wanted to do it again as a Team Leader.” Last year, Brandon was a Corps Member at the Vinton NCCC campus and was only compelled to give back more after his term of service ended.

Brandon has several skills that he brings with him to the Team Leader position. He has previous leadership skills, and an enthusiasm to get the job done. He is also hard-working, a trait that will come in handy as he leads his team through the various projects they will take on during the year.

Prior to joining NCCC, Brandon graduated from Truman State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He also graduated from ArchBishop O'Hara High School in 2007. After finishing NCCC, Brandon plans to go back to school.

Maple 1’s first project is with the Iowa River Corridor and Necedah Wildlife Refuge in Chelsea, Iowa and Necedah, Wis. The team is assisting the refugeto conduct natural resource management including conducting prescribed burns, invasive species control, native seed collection and interpretive programs to educate the public on the native habitat and wildlife. The Necedah Wildlife Refuge is home to approximately 12 rare plant species and several listed animal species, including the Karner blue butterfly and the whooping crane.  

Some fun facts about Brandon:

Q: What was your first job? Hy-Vee

Q: What is your favorite movie? Cool Hand Luke

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “Breath, relax, and you will make it through CTI.”

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? Europe

Q: What is your favorite candy? Baby Ruth

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? Sea turtle. They live long and see a lot of cool things.

Q: Are there any sayings your parents repeated over and over that you can still remember clearly? “This is true, but…”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Run, read, or watch movies.

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC? Develop leaders and leadership skills.