Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top Women Leaders of Iowa for 2023. Iowa has a longstanding tradition of recognizing and honoring women's heritage and their contributions. In 1975, The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW) established the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame, welcoming four women into the Hall of Fame each year. As of 2023, 193 women will have been inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame. Furthermore, the University of Iowa has a proud legacy of empowering women dating back to 1968, with Christine Grant becoming the university's first and only women's Athletic Director, emerging as a national leader in the gender equity movement in sports.
More recently, the Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds was reelected in 2022 after serving a full term in 2018, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the state's history. Women are actively taking on leadership positions in any and all industries, as exemplified by this year's accomplished awardees.
First, Kimberly D. Hunter is the interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nurse Executive of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC), recognized as one of the best hospitals in the US. Additionally, Michelle Halverson, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of GreatAmerica Financial Services, extends her legal expertise to handle all legal affairs and compliance, advising senior leadership and the board of directors on various corporate matters. Meanwhile, Donna Tweeten, President of Hy-Vee has 30 years of experience in the field.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top Women Leaders of Iowa for 2023.
1. Georgia Van Gundy
EVP, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Customer Officer, Hy-Vee
Georgia Van Gundy is the EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Customer Officer of Hy-Vee. She was promoted to chief of staff in 2022, in addition to executive vice president and chief customer officer. Van Gundy currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the company, which includes oversight of human resources, government relations, community relations, communications, customer care, DEI initiatives, risk management, training and education, and food safety. Van Gundy joined the Hy-Vee leadership team in 2019 as senior vice president of administration and industry/government relations. Prior to Hy-Vee, she served as executive director of the Iowa Business Council (IBC), an organization made up of CEOs and top executives from the 23 largest employers in Iowa. Prior to her role at the IBC, she led global strategies for a Fortune 250 company and worked in the retail industry in various capacities for nearly 10 years. Van Gundy also has experience in government relations, finance, and economic development.
Before joining Hy-Vee, Gundy was also assistant vice president of government and community relations at The Principal Financial Group. Earlier in her career she worked with the Iowa Department of Economic Development as a legislative liaison. Gundy graduated from Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
2. Amy Thorson
Senior Vice President, US Bank
Amy Thorson is the Senior Vice President of US Bank. She leads a creative, solutions-based team of approximately 275 employees across the US Bank footprint. They partner with regional executives, small business regional leaders, market leaders, district managers, and branches to help power the potential of US Bank customers. The focus of her market operations is to improve efficiencies within her branches in regard to procedures and analytics, so they are able to deliver the best-in-class service to their customers.
US Bancorp, with nearly 77,000 employees and $557 billion in assets, is the parent company of the US Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches, and ATM network with digital tools that allow customers to bank when, where, and how they prefer. US Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment clients across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner. This commitment continues to earn a spot on the Ethisphere Institute's World's Most Ethical Companies list and puts US Bank in the top 5% of global companies assessed on the CDP A List for climate change action.
Thorson has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2002. Thorson graduated from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
3. Mary Ruyter
CEO, Sanford Health
Mary Ruyter is the CEO of Sanford Health. She first joined the company in 2005 as CEO. She is responsible for all day-to-day operations of 20 critical access hospitals and 2 rural health clinics. Mary’s areas of expertise include strategic planning, and LEAN/Six Sigma, as well as managing human, material, and financial resources to reinforce the common goals of maximizing efficiency and service at Sanford Health. Her leadership skills help to motivate managers and employees to incorporate the vision, strategic plan, and elements of quality management into the full range of the organization's activities. Also, her scope includes identifying key issues affecting the organization including political, legislative, economic, social, and technological factors. She demonstrates high-level leadership and represents the organization both internally and externally, as well as directs the work of the executive management team. She is responsible to the local Advisory Board of Directors and is Vice President of Sanford Health Network.
Sanford Health is the largest rural health system in the US. Its organization is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, it serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles.
Previously, Ruyter was an LTC administrator at Sanford Sheldon. Ruyter earned an MS in adult learning and performance from Drake University and an undergraduate degree in registered nursing from Mount Marty College.
4. Julie Kraft
Chief Strategy Officer, The Kraft Co.
Julie Kraft began her professional career 36 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Strategy Officer of The Kraft Co. Julie Kraft heads The Kraft Co. where she works with various professional and non-profit clients, often quietly behind-the-scenes. Julie has developed countless strategic plans for a wide variety of businesses and non-profit organizations. She specializes in strategic communication, brand strategy, messaging, crisis communication, and social media strategy. Having worked a number of years in television, Julie also offers performance coaching for professionals, academic researchers, and individuals looking to polish their image or interview performance, to improve their public or on-air performance. Julie loves a good communication challenge and thrives on innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
The Kraft Co. offers strategy and messaging that is uniquely "krafted" for companies, organizations, nonprofits, and individuals. They also provide consultation on best brand and communication practices. Using market research, they help clients identify opportunities to grow market share. The Kraft Co. loves developing brand strategies as well as tactics to achieve measurable goals, by way of big-picture thinking and strategy.
Kraft first got her start in 1987 as a reporter at KWWL-TV. From there, she went on to KTCB-TV American Heritage Cablevision, before eventually rising to chair of golf course volunteers at Zach Johnson Foundation Classic, her most recent position prior to joining The Kraft Co. Kraft graduated from American University with an MA in strategic communication and from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in communication-radio/tv.
5. Jennifer Feeney
Chief People Officer, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center
Jennifer Feeney is the Chief People Officer of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. She first joined the company in 1998 as VP of human resources. Formerly Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center has evolved into ImpactLife. New name. Same mission. It is an independent, non-profit, community blood center, that provides blood products to more than 120 hospitals. Together changing the world.
Previously, Feeney was a VP of human resources at Per Mar Security Services. A graduate of Augustana College who majored in Business Administration, Jennifer is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and holds certifications of SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) and SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources). Jennifer has held leadership roles within our industry, having served on the Human Resources committee for America’s Blood Centers, has helped lead the Great River Human Resources Association, and has volunteered with MRA to lead Senior Human Resources roundtables in the Quad Cities Area.
6. Michelle Niermann
Chief Operating Officer, East Division, UnityPoint Health
Michelle is the Chief Operating Officer for the East Division of UnityPoint Health, which includes Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, Quad Cities, and Madison, WI. Prior to this role, Michelle served as president and chief executive officer for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids from 2019 to 2023, as well as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Cedar Rapids. She first joined UnityPoint Health as an Administrative Fellow in 1994 and has spent the entirety of her professional career at UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids.
Michelle holds an undergraduate degree from Bradley University in communications and psychology and a master’s in hospital and health administration from the University of Iowa. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
7. Brooke Kensinger
President, MercyOne Elkader Medical Center
Brooke Kensinger began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the President of MercyOne Elkader Medical Center. MercyOne operates an integrated system of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities in communities, providing accessible care, training the next generation of caregivers, and working to improve the overall well-being of their communities.
In 2021 she received the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) 2021 Young Executive Achievement Award at the association’s annual meeting. The award recognizes up-and-coming healthcare executives, age 40 or younger, who have made a significant contribution to healthcare in the state of Iowa. In letters supporting her nomination, Kensinger was praised for her leadership that inspires “a sense of commitment and empowerment among colleagues that has paved the way for excellent service and organizational successes. She works hard for her rural community and the entire state. Kensinger has steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment to health care.”
Kensinger first got her start in 2006 as a strategic initiative specialist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. From there, she went on to MercyCare Community Physicians - MercyCare Marion, before eventually rising to senior director of Mercycare business health solutions at Mercycare Community Physicians, her most recent position prior to joining MercyOne Elkader Medical Center. Kensinger graduated from the University of Iowa with an MHA and an undergraduate degree.
8. Ena Williams
Chief Operating Officer, Casey's General Stores
Ena Williams began her professional career 32 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Casey's General Stores where she leads store operations, real estate, supply & distribution, fuel, and operations support. Previously, she served as chief executive officer of National HME, and prior to NHME Ena spent 10 years at 7-Eleven, Inc.
As Chief Operating Officer at Casey’s, she oversees store operations, fuel procurement and delivery, operational excellence, new store development, and transportation and distribution for their network of 2,300+ stores across 16 states. Along with the executive leadership team, her work is focused on advancing their three-year strategic plan and supporting the stores as they deliver on their commitment to making the lives of their guests and their communities better every day.
Williams has spent nearly 30 years in the oil and gas and convenience retail industries leading operations, merchandising, marketing, and logistics at 7-Eleven and ExxonMobil. In 2016, she was named among the Top Women in Convenience for executing strategies that transformed business. She currently serves on the board of directors of Daseke, Inc. Williams graduated from The Wharton School with an MBA in business administration, management, and operations, and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in economics and African-American studies.
9. Donna Tweeten
President, Hy-Vee
Donna Tweeten began her professional career 33 years ago. Today, she is the President of Hy-Vee, overseeing private brands, merchandising, marketing, and digital development efforts at this $13 billion company. Tweeten also guides the evolution of Red Media, Hy-Vee’s new retail media network. Her promotion marked the first time a woman had been named president of Hy-Vee. She is only the sixth president of Hy-Vee in the company’s 92-year history. Previously, Tweeten was executive vice president, chief of staff, and chief marketing officer. Tweeten has been with Hy-Vee since 2006 and has more than 30 years of brand management experience. She also served as president and chief creative officer of The Meyocks Group, a brand marketing firm.
Tweeten first got her start in 1990 as a president at The Meyocks Group. From there, she went on to Meyocks & Priebe. Tweeten graduated from Drake University with an undergraduate degree in journalism, radio, and television.
10. Sophia Ahmad
Vice President of Philanthropy, WesleyLife
Sophia Ahmad began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Philanthropy of WesleyLife. WesleyLife is transforming the aging experience so people live longer, healthier lives. By focusing on each person’s abilities and strengths–rather than their limitations–it believes it can impact the healthspan of older adults.
Ahmad comes to WesleyLife from MercyOne Des Moines Foundation, where she was instrumental in a $16 million capital campaign for the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center. She also has led stewardship and external relations for other high-profile MercyOne campaigns, including securing funding for various programs at MercyOne Children’s Hospital and House of Mercy as well as the organization’s neuroscience and behavioral health groups.
Prior to her time with MercyOne, Ahmad held similar roles with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Des Moines Symphony & Academy and has received national awards and accolades for her work. She was designated a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy as well as the Des Moines Business Record and a Top Woman in Public Relations by PR News. She also is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Ahmad graduated from the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium with an MBA and from Gordon College with an undergraduate degree in music and piano performance.
11. Star L. King
VP of US Operations, ResultsCX
Star King is the VP of US Operations at ResultsCX. She first joined the company in 2017 as VP of operations. ResultsCX is a leading provider of transformational Customer Experience Management (CXM) solutions to 75+ global brands, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies. For 30+ years, it has been driving superior customer and business outcomes for brands across healthcare, media, telecom, fast-growth technology, retail, banking and financial services, and other industries.
Prior to Results, Star led 1,200+ agents in the Work at Home space for Sutherland Global Services caring for clients in the retail, technology, and telecom space with a P&L of $45M. Star was also a part of the senior team at Sykes Enterprises for 7 years and was responsible for leading, directly & indirectly, thousands of employees across multiple sites, within 11 states. Responsible for full P&L, including budget development, financial forecasting, and performance accountability, her portfolios under management include individual $15M accounts, up to an overall portfolio of $138M+ million.
12. Jessica Andino, MPH
Executive Director, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Jessica Andino is the Executive Director of Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition. She first joined the company in 2023. Johnson County (Iowa) Affordable Housing Coalition’s mission is to increase access to affordable housing for low-income people through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Andino has dedicated countless hours to area volunteer organizations, including the Human Rights Commission for the City of Iowa City, the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, Open Heartland, and the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County.
“Previously serving as the chair of the Human Rights Commission for Iowa City allowed me to see first-hand the urgency and necessity for all individuals to have a right to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” Andino says. “It’s unjust to not have safe and affordable housing options in our community.” In recognition of her work, Andino received the 2023 Sprince Zwerling Award for Social Justice. This award is given to a distinguished, well-deserving graduate student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health who is pursuing an interest in addressing health disparities and alleviating social injustice.
Andino was also a clinical trials research associate/project manager at The University of Iowa Health Care and before that a biological science research aide at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Andino earned a PhD and MPH in public health from the University of Iowa College of Public Health, and an undergraduate degree in health and human physiology from the University of Iowa.
13. Amy Eden Below
AVP, Succession Planning, LPL Financial
Amy Below is the AVP of Succession Planning of LPL Financial, a leader in the retail financial advice market and the nation's largest independent broker/dealer. It serves independent financial advisors and financial institutions, providing them with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. Amy’s succession planning team delivers end-to-end legacy planning support for LPL's advisors utilizing innovative solutions and industry-leading services. The mission of the succession planning team is to help advisors plan for the future, protect their life's work, and realize their legacy. Below has 15 years of experience. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining LPL Financial, Amy was an associate director of succession and acquisition solutions at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., and before that a business development, Transamerica life & protection at AEGON. Below graduated from Mount Mercy University with an undergraduate degree in marketing and management.
14. Angie Corcoran
Chief Human Resources Officer, Hibu
Angie Corcoran is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Hibu. She first joined the company in 2015 as vice president of human resources. She is an accomplished, dynamic, and well-respected Human Resources leader with more than 25 years of experience in delivering a diverse range of Human Resources functions. She has a proven ability to successfully partner with business leaders in the development and implementation of HR strategies in order to achieve business results.
Hibu Inc. is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions to local businesses across the US. Through a comprehensive portfolio of services including digital listings management, website development and management, search engine marketing and optimization, online and mobile display, social campaign creation and management, and directories, Hibu helps businesses compete and succeed.
Previously, Corcoran was a director of employee relations and org design at Yellowbook. Corcoran earned an undergraduate degree in business management from Upper Iowa University.
15. Kimberly D. Hunter
Interim Chief Executive Officer, University of Iowa Health Care
Kimberly Hunter is interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Nurse Executive of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) which is recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States. It includes UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a new hospital under construction in North Liberty, and over 99 outpatient clinics. UIHC generates over $2.5B in annual revenues and is staffed by about 12,100 employees (including 1100 physicians and 2800 RNs) who maintain 860 beds, admit 33,000 patients, and accommodate over 1 million outpatient visits yearly.
Hunter serves as the Interim CEO and CNE with over 36 years of post-graduate (MSN) healthcare management experience centered on continuous improvement, leadership development, and systems thinking. Hunter has over 24 years of experience at the director level or above, including over 18 years in academic medicine at two of the top-ranked hospitals in the US (Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic). As CNE, she leads a world-class nursing environment through an innovative and results-oriented approach, leading over 4,000 nursing staff including 2,800 RNs. Previously, Hunter held ACNO leadership responsibilities for over 8 years at the Cleveland Clinic's (CC) Main Campus for all nursing-supported specialties ranging from pediatrics to cardiology to orthopedics. She also served as director of nursing operations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and as operations administrator at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. She has six years of post-MBA experience advancing the business of healthcare in external consulting and physician practice management roles. As a former senior management consultant, she provided consulting and practice management services to physician practices as well as a major academic medical center at UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill.
16. Jennifer Bennett
President, Shive-Hattery
As President of Shive-Hattery, Jennifer Bennett is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, culture, vision, and direction of current and future operations. She joined the design firm in 2003 and has 25 years of experience in client service, talent development, and market growth. As an architecture and engineering consulting firm, Shive-Hattery goes beyond traditional design. With deep knowledge of business, it delivers customized solutions while providing support as an extension of clients’ staff. It's more than just a one-time transaction; it cultivates relationships.
Bennett served as Executive Vice President until March 2020 and was then elected as President, as they expanded into the Madison, Wisconsin, and Omaha, Nebraska markets. “My role allows me to build upon our One Firm culture which is dedicated to delivering a seamless client experience that leverages the best talent across our organization,” said Bennett. “Enhancing this culture means the best design solutions for our clients while our employees experience thriving and rewarding careers. These elements will ensure our firm’s solid position as we expand into Madison and Omaha.”
She is a licensed structural engineer and previously served as the Vice President and Office Director of Shive-Hattery’s Quad Cities location.
17. Beth Phillips
VP, Portfolio Growth, Co-op Financial Solutions
Beth Phillips is the VP of Portfolio Growth at Co-op Solutions. Beth has been with Co-op since January 2016 when she joined The Members Group, since merged with Co-op, as a Portfolio Strategy Manager. She has more than 12 years of experience in financial services. Co-op Solutions partners with credit unions to drive growth through integrated payments technology solutions. It helps deliver member-centric and digital-first services designed to improve earnings, operational efficiencies, and the member experience. With Co-op, credit unions will become the most essential resource in its members' financial lives—now and into the future.
Previously, Phillips was a marketing consultant at ARAG® Legal, and before that a director of public relations and marketing at LifeServe Blood Center. Earlier in her career she worked with Wells Fargo Retail Services as a marketing consultant.
18. Leslie Parsons
VP of Operations, Hearthside Food
Leslie Parsons began her professional career 33 years ago. Today, she is the VP of Operations at Hearthside Food. She is a dynamic senior leader with 30 years of experience in multi-site manufacturing, transportation, 3PL, warehousing, purchasing, production planning/logistics, and end-to-end supply chain network strategy. She has a proven track record for achieving high results by leveraging continuous improvement, high-performing teams, as well as coaching and development of strong plant leaders. Hearthside is an Illinois-based producer and distributor of nutrition bars, cookies, cereals, and baked food products for the retail market. Parsons is a dynamic senior leader with 30 years of experience in Multi-Site Manufacturing, Transportation, 3PL, Warehousing, Purchasing, Production Planning/Logistics, and End-to-End Supply Chain Network Strategy. Proven track record for getting results by leveraging Continuous Improvement, High Performing Work Teams, and Coaching and Development of Strong Plant Leaders.
Parsons first got her start in 1990 in plant operations at Procter & Gamble. From there, she went on to Coca-Cola Enterprises, before eventually rising to senior director of operations at TreeHouse Foods, her most recent position prior to joining Hearthside Food. Parsons graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
19. Danielle Foster-Smith
Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
Danielle Foster-Smith is the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Ruan Transportation Management Systems. Founded in 1932, Ruan is a family-owned transportation company providing dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, value-added warehousing, and brokerage support services. With more than 90 years of transportation and logistics experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates in 48 states and has more than 300 locations nationwide.
Danielle had a strong interest in becoming a lawyer and had the good fortune to receive a full scholarship to attend Drake University Law School. Becoming an attorney was the realization of her lifelong dream. In her career, she enjoyed practicing family, juvenile, employment, civil rights, and insurance defense law. Immediately prior to joining Ruan, she was an in-house trial attorney for an insurance company. As a trial attorney, she earned a designation in trial advocacy from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA). Before joining Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Foster-Smith was a staff litigation counsel at GuideOne Insurance and before that an attorney at the Law Office of Roger J. Kuhle, P.C. She is licensed in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.
She graduated from Drake University Law School with a JD and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in English. She believes it is important to give back and pay it forward. For over 30 years, she served on several committees and boards of directors of non-profit agencies and schools. Currently, she is on the board of Orchard Place and serves on the Drake University National Advisory Council for the School of Arts and Sciences. She supports the community through United Way’s Women United group, and holds a leadership position in her faith community with responsibility for the membership in Iowa and Nebraska.
20. Kristi Burma
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Capital Officer, Athene USA
Kristi Burma began her professional career 22 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Capital Officer of Athene USA. Athene is an Iowa-based brokerage firm that provides retirement savings products and services for individuals and businesses. Through the talent and commitment of our team members, they make it happen, creating process efficiencies and managing every aspect of human resources programming: benefits and total rewards, compensation and equity, talent strategy, organizational development, and employee relations.
Kristi believes in seizing opportunities, venturing outside one’s comfort zone, and viewing all challenges as learning opportunities. In her role, she drives the organizational vision of the company, and alongside her high-performing team, helps to best position Athene and the team members for long-term success. Her professional focus areas include guiding strategy and overseeing the execution of HR objectives across the organization, driving efficiencies in organizational development, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, and advising the executive leadership team
Burmac first got her start in 2001 as a human resources business partner at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. From there, she went on to Aviva USA. Burma graduated from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in industrial relations and human resources. In her free time, her activities parallel her approach to work. She enjoys playing tennis and golf – activities that fuel her competitive side. By continually improving on her own game, she’s able to push herself to the next level, while having fun and hopefully helping others to do the same. The ultimate win-win.
21. Monica Friedman
Chief Human Resources Officer, LCS
Monica Friedman is the Chief Human Resources Officer of LCS. She first joined the company in 2018. In her role, Monica oversees effective recruitment, employee engagement, professional development, and the delivery of a competitive compensation and benefits program. Monica is a remarkable leader, and her leadership and experience have impacted every level of the organization. She has challenged the organization, driven results, and made LCS a nationally ranked best place to work.
Friedman has led expanded training and development programs at LCS, launched the company’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, reorganized the employee benefits department and programs, and provided HR leadership for 30,000+ employees nationwide. She is also dedicated to mentorship both inside LCS and in the community with a specific emphasis on female executives and human resources professionals. Under Friedman, LCS employee engagement scores have improved each consecutive year, the company has been named on Iowa’s Top Workplace list each year, and LCS has received national recognition as a USA Top Workplace.
Previously, Friedman was an SVP of human resources at Nationwide Insurance and before that a buyer at Von Maur. Among her community leadership roles, Friedman is the chair of the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center board and serves on the boards for the LCS Foundation and the Center for Health Administration and Aging Services Excellence at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is a past United Way board member and past chair of the Red Cross Iowa Region board. Monica is a 2006 graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program. The Des Moines Business Record has included her among their Forty under 40 and Women of Influence honorees. She has an undergraduate degree in industrial relations human resources with hithe ghest distinction from The University of Iowa along with SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations.
22. Sarah Theis
Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Sammons Financial Group Companies
Sarah Theis began her professional career 19 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Sammons Financial Group Companies. Sammons® Financial Group Companies provide today's most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement products. At Sammons Financial Group, they hire people who think like owners because they are a privately held company owned by an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Its work environment is deeply rooted in respect, openness, integrity, and accountability, and enjoys a benefits program that truly enhances the quality of life.
This role as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Sammons gave her ample opportunity to work hands-on with an idea from its inception through all the related phases, where she gets to see an opportunity in the early stages, be a part of the evaluation and strategizing, and then participate with the team tasked with its ultimate execution. She finds her work very rewarding, as it calls for her to wear many hats. Her role includes compliance and staying aware of what is coming in the industry to balance innovation with regulation, as well as empowering teams to take action and share in success. She also is well-versed in data analytics, “when properly understood, numbers provide tremendous industry insights and direction”, she says.
Sarah’s career began in 2004 as a director of annuity finance at Midland National Life Insurance Company. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting unique places around the world. There are a lot of stamps on her passport. Her experiences abroad taught her how to take in a lot of information quickly from her surroundings—and how to successfully navigate the unfamiliar. It all comes back to problem-solving.
23. Valarie Vest
SVP & Chief Experience Officer, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Valarie Vest is the SVP and Chief Experience Officer of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial professionals and their investing clients. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices for independent financial professionals regarding solutions for advice, growth, technology, and independence. Cambridge’s national reach includes Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. – a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. – an independent broker-dealer, member of FINRA/SIPC, which is among the largest internally controlled independent broker-dealers in the country. Cambridge continues to be a multi-year honoree as a top #1 workplace and #2 broker-dealer of the year.
She currently leads their strategic planning and innovation teams. Her role involves leading innovation and digital transformation to advance the end-to-end experiences of our financial advisors and associates. She says, “I believe digital transformation involves technology PLUS. The plus is a change in how we organize around and think about new technologies to improve lives, ultimately changing our mindsets to one of growth, innovation, and the possible.” Each day she has the opportunity to bring her 25+ years of working with financial advisors and leading teams of engaged co-workers together with her passion of coaching to create experiences that make a difference.
Vest has 28 years of experience. She began her career in 1995. Before joining Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Vest was a co-founder at Lead from Intention, and before that a marketing director at Principal Financial Group. Vest graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in economics.
24. Lori McCarty
Chief Strategy Officer, Holmes Murphy & Associates
Lori McCarty joined the Holmes Murphy team as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) in 2019. McCarty brings more than 25 years of financial services experience at both small and Fortune 500 and 100 companies. McCarty joined Holmes Murphy with a breadth of experience in strategic planning, business architecture, process design and improvement, and project/performance management. She is also the founder and owner of Strategic Design & Integration Services, LLC.
McCarty is a familiar face at Holmes Murphy, as she has been consulting with the company to deliver key solutions on technology, business plans, and capabilities since late 2018. In her capacity as CSO, McCarty is responsible for assisting the Executive Committee with developing, communicating, and sustaining corporate strategic initiatives at both the business and enterprise levels. She also plays a key role in analyzing and executing new customer improvement initiatives. McCarty graduated from Simpson University with an undergraduate degree in business management, business, marketing, and organizational behavior.
25. Emily Bertino Honings
Human Resources Business Partner, Guaranteed Rate Affinity
Emily Bertino Honings serves as a Human Resources Business Partner for Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a joint venture partnership between Anywhere Real Estate Inc. and Guaranteed Rate, one of the United States' largest mortgage lenders. Emily oversees all functions of HR for the organization's Western & California divisions. Emily is incredibly passionate about the employee experience, learning & development, and coaching executive leaders on how to get the best results out of their teams through strategic performance management.
Prior to the mortgage industry, Emily was a leader in the fashion industry for 10+ years. She began her career in Chicago, Illinois with Bloomingdale's in their Executive Development Program, and grew through the ranks to multiple different teams as an Executive Business Manager in Honolulu, Hawaii. Emily later made a move to luxury fashion retailer Tory Burch, where she led in a general manager capacity in the Seattle, Washington area. She was ultimately promoted to general manager trainer, a peer leadership role that oversaw the training & development of other general managers throughout North America. In addition to her career experience, Emily is extremely passionate about self-development through higher education. Emily has an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii, a Master of Human Resources Management from the University of Southern California, and is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt-certified through Purdue University.
26. Carolyn Weaver
Chief Information Officer, Des Moines University
Carolyn Weaver is the Chief Information Officer of Des Moines University, a graduate medicine and health sciences university in West Des Moines, Iowa, founded in 1898. She is a passionate technology leader who enables higher education and not-for-profit organizations to thrive and grow through digital transformation. Carolyn builds and guides collaborative teams and partners with community members and leaders to propel organizations forward with the use of technology through a unique blend of strategic vision and operational excellence.
Carolyn Weaver assumed her CIO role in June 2012 at Des Moines University. She began her IT career over 20 years ago as a consultant with higher education and not-for-profit organizations. She then held technical and managerial roles with progressively increasing responsibilities at Agnes Scott College and Morehouse School of Medicine. Additionally, she managed an independent consulting practice assisting institutions with ERP implementations. She has been instrumental in the success of multiple ERP implementations, including Colleague and Banner, and as a result, she has become both a student and a facilitator of organizational change.
Before joining Des Moines University, Weaver was a director of information solutions at Morehouse School of Medicine and before that a senior systems analyst at Agnes Scott College. Weaver graduated from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an MBA and Kenyon College with an undergraduate degree in physics.
27. Brooke Willey
Chief Human Resources Officer, Hirschbach
Brooke Willey is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Hirschbach. She leads the HR function for the Hirschbach family of companies as CHRO. Hirschbach is one of the nation’s largest refrigerated carriers. Revenues from the family of companies exceed $1 billion, with more than 3,000 trucks, 5,000 trailers, and a $150 million third-party logistics operation.
Brooke is a seasoned human resources executive who blends strong operational and human resources experience to drive results. She carries an exceptional ability to understand business needs, build rapport within all levels of an organization, and execute collaborative HR and business strategies based upon those needs. She has a proven ability to create teams in which trust and high performance within the highest ethical standards are expected and delivered.
Before joining Hirschbach, Willey was a VP of human resources at CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc., a $1.7B transportation company comprised of seven operating companies with 9,500+ employees, driving partners, and owner-operators. Her passion is building strong leaders and leadership teams, and she has been publicly recognized for those efforts. Under her leadership development efforts in 2016, CRST was named a ‘Top-10 Best Private Company for Leaders’ by Chief Executive magazine. In 2017 CRST was named a ‘Workforce Leader in Training’ by the Corridor Business Journal and Kirkwood Community College. Brooke is also actively involved with non-profit organizations in her community, most recently a board member for United Way and Young Parents Network. She was named as 1 of the 3 2018 Most Influential Woman in Trucking award finalists. Willey graduated from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in communication studies.
28. Sara Laures
Chief People Officer, VGM Group
Sara Laures is the Chief People Officer for VGM Group, Inc. where she oversees people and culture strategy, human resources, talent acquisition, organizational development, and facilities management, and manages corporate projects that support the success of VGM’s multiple businesses and its employees. Sara has held roles in multiple VGM businesses during her career. She began at VGM’s HOMELINK division in 1998 and spent five years developing a foundational knowledge of care coordination and its impact on patients’ access to quality healthcare. For 14 years, she was responsible for leadership of VGM Education, spearheading the development of its robust virtual education platform and content. In her current role, she worked to expand workplace flexibility guidelines when VGM transitioned to a work-from-home policy, improving the work-life balance of all employees—especially working mothers.
Sara has an undergraduate degree in health services administration from Upper Iowa University. Because of her experience working her way up the corporate ladder, Sara advises and mentors many other aspiring female leaders. As an iPEC-certified professional coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, she is a knowledgeable resource for women in the workplace. To further support and recognize employee owners at VGM, Sara has grown Women in Leadership (WIL) at VGM; helps guide the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee; and emcees the VGM Awards ceremony. She also serves on a number of boards and task forces in the Cedar Valley community.
29. Tami Vetter
President & CEO, Ellivett Group, Inc.
Tami Vetter is the President and CEO of Ellivett Group, Inc. She first joined the company in 2007. Vetter has 19+ years of marketing support services including program management, event planning, and daily logistic tracking and support. As a women-owned corporation located in the midwest offering excellent work standards and turnaround times, they specialize in smaller jobs with short turnaround time frames at very affordable prices.
She is also President and CEO of Working Women Inc. which specializes in marketing support services, bulk mailing, sample fulfillment, and program logistics including shipping, receiving, customer support, and program management. In 2012, she was named Woman of the Year by the Charles City Chamber, and in 2015 named Best Business of the Year by the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
Previously, Vetter was a fulfillment contractor for Nutro products at Mars Pet Care US and before that a fulfillment contractor for Trone. Earlier in her career, she worked with Pepsi Cola General Bottlers, Kansas City as a marketing assistant.
30. Renee Hardman
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, & VP of Human Resources, Broadlawns Medical Center
Renee Hardman serves as the organization’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources. The Broadlawns Medical Center campus includes an acute care hospital, primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care and emergency services, lab, radiology, dentistry, inpatient and outpatient mental health, crisis team, and community-based behavioral support services. Broadlawns’ approach to healthcare and quality outcomes earned a Level 3 rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the highest achievable status for a medical delivery model.
Ms. Hardman previously served as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and as the owner of Hardman Consultant, LLC. She was the senior vice president of human resources at Bankers Trust. She is an elected official and is the first African American woman to hold the position of West Des Moines City Council Member. Ms. Hardman serves as a Des Moines University Trustee, Business Record DEI Advisory Committee Member, Tri-Chair of the DSM USA 4 Equity Collective, West Des Moines Human Rights Commissioner (Liaison), and a past Greater Des Moines Partnership Diversity Committee Member. She has earned recognition as a community advocate as the Business Record’s #5 Most Influential Business Leader, Iowa Women Hall of Fame inductee, City of West Des Moines MLK, Jr. Award recipient, and as a Woman of Influence. She earned her undergraduate degree and an MBA from Drake University. Ms. Hardman holds a senior professional human resources (SPHR) certification. She worked at BMC as a Psychiatric Technician earlier in her career.
31. Michelle Halverson
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, & Corporate Secretary, GreatAmerica Financial Services
Michelle Halverson is SVP, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of GreatAmerica Financial Services, a national commercial finance company. Michelle is the executive responsible for all legal affairs and compliance and advises senior leadership and the board of directors on various corporate matters. Prior to joining GreatAmerica, Michelle was a corporate associate in the Chicago office of Sidley Austin LLP, a large, international law firm. While at Sidley, Michelle represented buyers and sellers in public/private mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions. She also advised publicly traded and privately held companies and their boards of directors on a broad range of corporate matters, including SEC reporting obligations and disclosure requirements, exchange listing standards, executive compensation, and corporate governance policies and procedures.
Michelle received her JD degree with high distinction from The University of Iowa College of Law. While in law school, Michelle was a judicial extern to the Honorable Michael J. Melloy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the Honorable Thad J. Collins, and the Honorable Paul J. Kilburg of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Michelle received her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in business from Mount Mercy College.
32. Tina Fritz
EVP & Chief Operations Officer, Bankers Trust
Tina Fritz is the EVP and Chief Operations Officer of Bankers Trust. She first joined the company in 2009 as senior vice president and manager. In her role, she oversees the bank’s operations and technology teams, leads treasury management and global banking divisions, and is responsible for sales, service, and product development. Fritz is a member of the bank’s executive committee. She joined the bank in April 2009 after working for the PrivateBank and Norwest/Wells Fargo. She has more than 30 years of banking experience.
For more than 100 years, Bankers Trust has been a leading financial institution for commercial and consumer banking services. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Bankers Trust is the largest privately held financial institution in the state and employs 565 people across the country. With offices in Ames and Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Phoenix, Arizona; Bankers Trust offers its customers outstanding service and innovative financial solutions, including a tremendous selection of products and services.
Fritz earned an undergraduate degree in finance from Iowa State University. She is a certified treasury professional, and a member of the Association for Financial Professionals as well as the Iowa Treasury Management Association. Fritz has been involved in a range of community organizations, including serving on the board and executive committee for the Young Women’s Resource Center and Johnston Community School Foundation. In addition, she is a past board member of Generations Inc. and the American Institute of Banking. In 2010, she was selected as a Leadership Iowa participant and earned the Community Bankers of Iowa Up and Coming Banker of the Year award.
33. Karmen Wilhelm
Chief Marketing Officer, Van Meter Inc.
Karmen Wilhelm began her professional career 13 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Marketing Officer of Van Meter Inc., an award-winning, 100% employed-owned workplace and leading distributor of more than 800 brands of electrical, automation, and mechanical supplies. Committed to providing customers at industrial plants and construction job sites across the nation "everything they need to succeed", Van Meter couples its comprehensive product offering with best-in-class fulfillment rates, value-added services, and technical expertise. The company has 25 branch locations in eight states (Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Virginia, and Alabama).
Wilhelm first got her start in 2010 as a manager of research and product development at Alliant Energy. Wilhelm graduated from Loras College with an undergraduate degree in public relations. Van Meter has earned multiple marketing accolades from NAED and was named Clean Energy Affiliate of the Year by Affiliated Distributors. Her work has also received Marketing Innovation Awards from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. She was recognized as a HER Magazine Woman of Achievement in 2018 and was honored as a Waypoint Woman of Achievement in 2008 and 2015. In 2007, she was Trees Forever's Volunteer of the Year. She is also a 2013 graduate of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons program, and served as a mentor for the 2013 Van Meter Emerging Leader’s Program. She is a past board member of Iowa’s Center on Sustainable Communities, and the Iowa Environmental Council.
34. Joanna Fravel
Vice President of Digital Marketing, Clique Hospitality
Joanna Fravel is the Vice President of Digital Marketing at Clique Hospitality. As VP, she is responsible for developing and executing the company's digital marketing strategy. In this role, she leads a team of digital marketing professionals and collaborates with other departments to drive revenue growth and brand awareness. She is a seasoned marketing executive with a passion for helping businesses achieve their goals through effective digital marketing strategies. She is also the proud owner and operator of Bednight Stories Consulting, where she has helped numerous clients achieve success through her expertise in all things digital marketing. Fravel has over 10 years of experience. She began her career in 2013.
Before joining Clique Hospitality, Fravel was a marketing and e-commerce manager at G/FORE and before that a digital marketing director at Clique Hospitality. Earlier in her career she worked with Ultimate Gaming as a social media manager. Fravel graduated from Grand View University with an undergraduate degree in art therapy.
35. Katie Marchik
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, UnityPoint Health - Trinity
Katie Marchik is currently Senior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer for UnityPoint Health - Trinity in the Quad Cities. She has extensive work experience in the healthcare industry. She has worked in various roles within UnityPoint Health, both in the Quad Cities and at System Services since 2004.
Katie started her career at McGladrey and Pullen as a manager in 1997. In 2004, she joined UnityPoint Health - Trinity as the director of finance. Katie moved up the ranks and became the vice president of finance at UnityPoint Health in 2009. Later, she held the roles of vice president of treasury and vice president of supply management at the same company. Then in 2017, she was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at UnityPoint Health - Trinity. Marchik previously also worked for seven years for RSM as an assurance manager working primarily with healthcare and other not-for-profit clients.
Marchik earned her undergraduate in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. She lives in Bettendorf, Iowa with her husband Jason, and three children.
36. Lisa Bowers
Chief People Officer, Dupaco Community Credit Union
Lisa Bowers is the Chief People Officer of Dupaco Community Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative. She aspires to be a lifelong learner, a strategic thinker, and a reliable and compassionate resource to other people. Whether through coaching, strategic planning, conflict resolution, communication, or any other human interaction, her passion lies in the ability to help people.
Bowers joined Dupaco in 2015 with more than 12 years of human resources and organizational development experience. Her expertise includes talent management, organizational development, training, and leadership and management coaching. Bowers has held several board positions in organizations such as Women’s Leadership Network, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, and YP Days of Caring. She is a Junior Achievement volunteer, assists as a St. Mark’s volunteer, and is active in Grand View United Methodist Church.
Bowers first got her start in 2002 as a senior corporate trainer at Eagle Point Software. From there, she went on to American Trust & Savings Bank. Bowers graduated from Wartburg College with an undergraduate degree in education.
37. Suzanna de Baca
President & CEO, Business Publications Corporation, Inc.
Suzanna de Baca is an experienced CEO, board director, and author. She has significant expertise in organizational change and transformation, communications/marketing, strategy, and governance in the finance, healthcare, and media industries. As president and CEO of Business Publications Corporation (BPC), de Baca leads an award-winning media and communications company, and has twice been recognized by Editor & Publisher as one of the “Ten News Publishers Doing it Right,” cited for innovation and growth.
Before joining BPC, she was president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and for over two decades before that role, she was a senior-level executive at Fortune 250 and privately held financial services and asset management firms including Ameriprise Financial, Bank of America Private Bank and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments. de Baca has extensive experience as a board director, having served on over 20 corporate, foundation, and non-profit boards. She currently serves on the boards of Bill Jacobs Companies; Community State Bank; Lauridsen Group, Inc., City and Regional Magazine Association; National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Heartland chapter; Delta Dental Foundation of Iowa; Greater Des Moines Community Foundation; and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. She is the education Co-chair of Executive Women on Boards. Suzanna graduated from Iowa State University (with Distinction) and holds an MBA from the Harvard University School of Business Administration.
38. Courtney Hiveley
President & Chief Operating Officer, Kingland
Courtney Hiveley began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Kingland. Kingland's teams are reinventing the way organizations collect, manage, and act on data. It develops enterprise software for the world's most integral companies, connecting and protecting their business.
Courtney is responsible for Kingland’s operations worldwide, including all software delivery, client engagement, security, IT, accounting, and human resource functions for Kingland locations throughout the United States and Asia. Courtney is a seasoned leader passionate about continuous improvement and talent development. She has pioneered many of Kingland’s leading operational practices for quality, efficiency, and client success. Courtney joined Kingland in 2010 and has fulfilled roles in marketing, data operations, client engagement, business analytics, compliance, and other management positions before becoming the president in 2023. Hiveley graduated from Iowa State University with a master’s in business analytics and an undergraduate degree in liberal studies.
39. Kelley Donovan
Financial Professional & Managing Partner, Richmond Investment Services
Kelley Donovan is the Financial Professional and Managing Partner of Richmond Investment Services. Kelley has been a registered financial advisor (in Dubuque IA and Mequon / Madison WI) for 13 years and has experience buying and selling businesses, real estate, rentals, Airbnb, and taxation. She helps many higher net-worth individuals and couples plan for retirement free from worry. She is driven and caring, and her clients find she knows them well. She applies her knowledge deeply by investigating all aspects of her clients’ lives. She is a fiduciary and responsibly puts her clients first. She owns her firm at Richmond Investments and co-founded Freedom Financial Wealth Management in Dubuque, IA. She is a local business supporter and is on the Board of Centrally Rooted.
Independence allows Richmond Investment Services’ advisors to be self-directed and concentrate their efforts on the aspects of financial services where it is strongest and can be of the greatest help to clients. It is a team of players who can jointly assess financial issues using the experience of several advisors or resource staff in order to view problems and strategies from multiple angles.
Previously, Donovan was a financial advisor at Edward Jones and before that a business development director at Eide Bailly LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with McKesson as a sales executive. Donovan earned an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Iowa.
40. Jennifer Lohrbach
Chief Information Officer, Ames Laboratory
Jennifer Lohrbach is the Chief Information Officer of Ames Laboratory, bringing together experience from previous roles at Iowa State University and Ruan Transportation Management Systems. With a robust skill set that includes leadership, networking, public relations, troubleshooting, and more, Jennifer Lohrbach contributes valuable insights to the industry.
Ames National Laboratory is a US Department of Energy Office of Science National Laboratory managed by Iowa State University. Located on the Iowa State campus, Ames National Laboratory seeks solutions to energy-related problems of national importance through the exploration of physics, chemistry, engineering, applied mathematics, and materials sciences. It accelerates the discovery of new materials and shares its expertise with the scientific community and partners throughout the US and the world. Ames National Laboratory is a top national laboratory in converting science into licensed technologies. Lohrbach has 24 years of experience. She began her career in 1999.
Before joining Ames Laboratory, Lohrbach was a director of networks and communications at Iowa State University and before that a network analyst at Ruan Transportation Management Systems. Earlier in her career she worked with Palisade Systems as a technical support engineer. Lohrbach graduated from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
41. Ellen Willadsen
Chief Innovation Officer, Holmes Murphy & Associates
Ellen Willadsen exemplifies the values of a corporate financial steward and has been an instrumental part of the growth and success of Holmes Murphy. Joining the company in 1995, she’s played a key role in increasing the company’s profitability and providing invaluable counsel on major financial decisions, as well as igniting innovation and growth throughout Holmes Murphy and the industry as a whole.
In 2019, Willadsen played an important role in the launch of BrokerTech Ventures (BTV). Through that experience, she discovered her passion for innovation, which ultimately led her to her current position as Chief Innovation Officer. Willadsen is responsible for vetting and analyzing innovations and technologies benefiting Holmes Murphy’s clients and internal operations. She also helps oversee work with BTV, which has grown to include 15 of the most notable super-regional brokerage firms in the nation, 14 of the world’s most highly respected insurance carriers and wholesalers, and 48 insurtech startups from around the world, inclusive of those in the US, Israel, and Latin American accelerator programs.
On top of all of this, Willadsen takes great pride in mentoring women and Holmes Murphy’s up-and-coming next generation of talent. She helps them reach their goals through transparent, direct, compassionate, and empathetic communication while motivating and inspiring them to use their talents to better themselves in their careers and their lives. Willadsen earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Iowa.
42. Sarah Woods
Chief Operating Officer, DockYard
Sarah Woods began her professional career 18 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of DockYard. DockYard helps partners build digital products that delight their users and scale seamlessly. Over the last decade, major companies—including Netflix and Apple—and industry disruptors alike have trusted DockYard to overcome complex product challenges. As the Chief Operating Officer at DockYard, a global digital product agency, she oversees the strategy, goal setting, and cross-functional collaboration across client services, finance, employee experience, IT, and operations. She has more than 20 years of experience in optimizing high-performance cultures and leveraging human capital potential to meet organizational growth and goals.
Woods first got her start in 2005 as an HR director at City Carton Recycling, Inc. From there, she went on to Acciona Energy, before eventually rising to senior human resources leader at GE Capital, her most recent position prior to joining DockYard. Woods graduated from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business with an MBA in management and organizations and from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in communication studies.
43. Colleen Bell
President of Innovation & Experience, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Colleen Bell is the President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Cambridge Investment Group, Inc. is a financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial professionals and their investing clients. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices for independent financial professionals regarding solutions for advice, growth, technology, and independence.
Bell has oversight over a number of the firm’s service teams, including Products and Technology Solutions, Strategy Planning and Innovation, Service Experience and Specialized Service Teams, Executive Administration, and Internal and External Education. Colleen Bell joined Cambridge in 2006 following her experience as a securities examiner for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Today, she is part of the Office of the CEO and serves as president of the firm’s Innovation and Experience division. Bell is also a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Council. She focuses on driving associate engagement and financial professional satisfaction while advancing and discovering new ways to meet ongoing needs.
Prior to her current role as president, she served as Cambridge’s executive vice president, operations, and chief fiduciary service officer. Bell was previously selected as a member of the IA 25 by Investment Advisor magazine and named by InvestmentNews as a Women to Watch honoree. She is an Executive Sponsor of Cambridge’s DEI Committee. Bell earned an undergraduate degree in management information systems from the University of Illinois College of Business. She holds the FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses.
44. Carole Custer
Director of University Marketing, Iowa State University
Considered a pathfinder in the communications field, Carole Custer has led the way for three decades to build the brand of Iowa State University as the most student-centered innovative public university in the nation. Hired by the university president in 1987, Custer’s position was a new one established by the president to introduce the marketing concepts of one voice and product, price, place, and promotion. Iowa State was one of only a few large public universities in the late ‘80s to recognize the power of marketing to improve their top-of-mind awareness for recruitment of students and new faculty and staff. This also increased their donations, contracts, and grants, which in turn increased their alumni participation and improved their relationships with state and federal lawmakers. Over her 37 years of brand building at Iowa State, the university experienced an enrollment surge to almost 37,000 students, a record-breaking $1.5 billion capital campaign, as well as research funding records.
Earlier in her career, she was vice president of marketing and real estate lending at the Brenton State Bank in Jefferson, Iowa, and was the interim executive director of marketing for the Brenton Banks network across Iowa. She graduated from the Bank Marketing Association’s 2-year graduate school of marketing, and was accepted into the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s year-long Leadership Iowa program. Armed with an undergraduate degree in journalism with a broadcast emphasis at Iowa State in the early 1970s, she was the first and only full-time female TV/radio news anchor in Iowa at the #1 rated CBS affiliate in north Iowa. She was honored as an Outstanding Young Alumna by the university for her pioneering broadcast career. She now serves on the advisory board for the Archives of Iowa Broadcasting.
Her ongoing commitment to her alma mater resulted in her election to the board of directors of the Iowa State University Alumni Association and then as its president. She has continued her support through numerous alumni association committees, and she and her spouse served as co-chairs of The Circle of past board chairs. The alumni association has honored her with its Alumni Medal, the premier award for long, loyal service to the university through alumni-related activities.
45. Amy Hawkins
Chief Human Resources Director, Dubuque Community School District
Amy Hawkins is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer, a role in which she oversees all human resources operations for the approximately 2,000 employees in the district. This includes district-wide planning and coordination of staff recruitment, retention, budgeting, performance evaluation management, employee relations, and personnel management.
“I look forward to collaborating with our staff, families, and community as we continue the important, challenging, and rewarding work of ensuring success for every student we serve,” said Hawkins. “The success of the Dubuque Community School District is deeply personal to me and I couldn’t be more honored to lead the district into the future.”
Prior to her chief human resources officer role, Hawkins served as the district’s director of activities and athletics. In this role, she served on the district’s executive leadership team and oversaw all aspects of the district’s extracurricular programming as well as the development and implementation of wellness/health curriculum and English Language Learners (ELL) programming.
Before serving as director of activities and athletics, Hawkins was a district-level teacher on special assignment from 2010-2012. She began her career in the Dubuque Community School District in 1997 as a wellness teacher at Dubuque Senior High School, later becoming department chair at the school. She has also been both an assistant and head coach for the Dubuque Senior High School Girl’s Volleyball Team and was named Mississippi Valley Coach of the Year in 2005. From 1998-2000, she was head coach of the Clarke University Women’s Volleyball Team.
Hawkins holds an undergraduate degree from Winona State University and a master of arts degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). She also holds an advanced studies certificate in superintendency from UNI.
46. Ashtyn Zinn
Director of TSMS, Tertiary - Commercialization & Manufacturing Technology, Elanco
Ashtyn Zinn is the Director of TSMS, Tertiary - Commercialization and Manufacturing Technology of Elanco, where she oversees scale-up and process development for commercialization projects, academic partnerships, and new manufacturing technology implementation. Ashtyn began her career with Elanco in 2019 as the director of quality assurance, and then as director of quality control.
Elanco works to improve the health of animals through innovative products and services for pets and farm animals around the world. As a global animal health company, it provides solutions that empower customers to advance a vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life. Since 1954, Elanco has committed to empowering veterinarians, farmers, and all those who care for animals with the tools they need to help animals live healthy lives.
Zinn is a scientist and leader with a strong technical background in vaccine manufacturing and cellular and molecular biology, analytical sciences, and innovative data presentation. Her experience includes managing diverse teams of scientists and other professionals to deliver against critical business initiatives and consistently strive for improvement. She values embracing new technology platforms to improve process efficiency, customer satisfaction, and employee morale. Previously, Zinn was a general supervisor of quality at CSL Behring.
Ashtyn was born and raised in Evansville, IN, where she also earned a BS in biology from the University of Southern Indiana. She then received her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toledo, and an MPH in Administration. Ashtyn is an avid runner, cyclist, and triathlete. She enjoys spending time with her children and dogs. She also recently became the head coach of a LEGO Explorer's team.
47. Monique Moore
Director of Retail Sales & Operations, UScellular
Monique Moore is an ignited achiever and transformational leader with proven success across two decades in telecommunications. She has a background in building and leading teams in retail sales, marketing strategy and planning, change management, and operations. Through those experiences, she has developed a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, collaboration, and complex decision-making, and thrives when solving problems and coordinating chaos.
As Director of Retail Sales and Operations at UScellular, Monique’s experience serves her well in the fast-paced wireless industry. Her multi-channel retail teams, in Iowa and Nebraska, execute a sales, marketing, and distribution strategy that exceeds subscriber growth and revenue targets. Monique’s teams have strong community relationships, and a superior in-store wireless experience, and bring to life the UScellular mission of connecting people to what matters most.
Monique leads with heart, is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, inspires purpose in those around her, and finds joy when mentoring and developing others. She is active in UScellular’s employee resource groups, has led local chapters of Women in Action, and contributed to panel events. Monique completed the Harvard Leadership Excellence Program, earned an MBA in business strategy, and holds an undergraduate degree in business management from Western Governors University.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Monique is happily married, the proud mother of three children, and a dual citizen. She co-owns and operates an agave farm in her father’s hometown of Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico, which she visits often for business purposes and to connect with family.
48. Emily Jorgensen
Director of Academic Success & Student-Athlete Development, Upper Iowa University
Emily Jorgensen is the Director of Academic Success and Student-Athlete Development at Upper Iowa University. Beginning in April 2022, Jorgensen has been the sports administrator for women's tennis, and women and men's bowling. After graduating from Southwest Minnesota State in May 2019 with an undergraduate degree in physical education with an emphasis in sports management and a minor in marketing, Jorgensen worked for the SMSU Foundation as an alumni relations graduate assistant for two years. During that time, she earned her master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in leadership.
While at SMSU, Jorgensen was a four-year letter winner for the Mustang women’s soccer team and served as the team captain as a senior. She was also an active member of the SMSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She is a member of the athletics senior staff and coordinates the department’s academic endeavors and faculty relations. She works with SAAC, Faculty Fellows, and the Peer Mentor Program. Also, she coordinates all details regarding the Student-Athlete Development Series.
She and her husband, Alex Jorgensen, were married in the fall of 2022. Alex is an assistant baseball coach at Luther College.
49. Janelle Buxton
Director of Industry & Public Relations, Big Grove Brewery
Janelle Buxton is the Director of Industry and Public Relations at Big Grove Brewery. She first joined the company in 2020 as head of brand marketing. Iowa City's Big Grove Brewery and Taproom is a 28,000-square-foot brewery, restaurant, and entertainment venue. Stop in for one of its award-winning beers on tap and enjoy casual dining from a menu of street-food-inspired small plates and sandwiches.
Previously, Buxton was a VP of business development at Buck Creek Hops, LLC, and before that a liquid center representative at New Belgium Brewing. Earlier in her career she worked with Meredith Corporation as a sales executive.
Buxton earned an MBA in marketing from Colorado State University and an undergraduate degree in agricultural communications from Iowa State University.
50. Katie Steinke
Chief Human Resources Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Katie Steinke is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, a member-owned cooperative that provides fixed-rate, callable, and community investment advances for housing associates. Katie leads the Bank’s human resources division. She has more than 20 years of human resources experience in a variety of industries, including insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, and biofuels. Her professional work has spanned strategic and operational human resources consulting and services and includes having her own State Farm insurance agency.
Before joining FHLB Des Moines in 2021, Katie served as vice president, Human Resources, for Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha, Nebraska, and as director, Human Resources for Glacial Lakes Energy in Watertown, South Dakota.
Katie earned her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a master’s in HR management/labor and employment relations from Penn State University. She held a Senior Professional in Human Resources certificate from 2005-2008.