Create Connections That Count

Since joining the workforce in my teens, I can remember hearing “Connections matter; people will remember what you’ve said, how you made them feel and how you carry yourself.” I’m not sure 14-year-old Bryanne would have believed each professional career move would’ve been courtesy of a connection I’d made. We all have a story to tell, and each one of us holds unique wisdom we can share with others. I invite you to jumpstart your own connections that count at our 2024 CEO Panel on Wednesday, April 10.

Annually, the Professional Development Committee of Urbandale Chamber’s genYP hosts the CEO Panel. The committee has taken time to cultivate a panel of local leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries, to share their experiences with young professionals and other attendees who seek to learn from others. The CEO Panel event starts off as a large group then breaks into small groups, allowing attendees to dig deep with their questions for the CEOs on topics like leadership, career paths, cultivating culture and more. for each CEOs.

When I first joined genYP, the pandemic hit a few months later so I didn’t get to experience the CEO Panel event. The following year, after joining the Professional Development Committee, I understood what the hype was about from my peers! Hearing Beth Shelton, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, share her incredible story and experiences of being a leader (and a leader during a global pandemic) left the biggest impact on my heart that year. Each consecutive year, I feel the committee has sought out incredible leaders to be part of the CEO panel and this year is no exception.

2024 CEO Panel Lineup

• Bridget Cravels-Neely, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa
• Courtney De Ronde, CEO, Forge Financial & Management
• Jane Nady, CEO, Imperfect Pathways
• Terri Nielsen, CEO & President, Raccoon Valley Bank
• Jeremiah Terhark, CEO, Webspec

All five panelists are leaders creating an impact in our community and their respective industries. This year’s event is sure to hold nuggets of information for each person who joins, from the CEOs to those attending. If you are someone who loves to connect, hear someone share their story or learn from other leaders, the CEO Panel is an event you do not want to miss! As the chair of genYP and Professional Development Committee, I invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the 2024 CEO Panel. Register to attend and find more info at uniquelyurbandale.com.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.