Bringing Diversity to DSM and the Financial Services Industry

In recent years, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is showing up all over national media on a number of “Best” lists. After living on the coasts for most of my career, I relocated to DSM to become the President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, a member owned cooperative that provides funding, liquidity and affordable housing grants to nearly 1,400 institutions. DSM is now the place my wife and I call home.

As a leader working in the financial services industry, I’ve recognized a need to increase diverse and female representation across our industry, as well as right here in my hometown. While diversity and inclusion are a personal passion and commitment, I had interest in doing more. Because the reality is that our business is stronger when we consider diversity, inclusion and equity.

The Creation of Diversify DSM

Upon seeing this need in the DSM community, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines joined forces with similar financial services companies in DSM to find a solution to a common challenge we all faced: attracting, hiring and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds. Together, we created Diversify DSM which is a grassroots effort to increase diverse and female representation in our industry and across our financial services businesses, including: Iowa Bankers Association, West Bank, Bankers Trust, Iowa Division of Banking, LMC Insurance, EMC Insurance and FHLB Des Moines.

Recently, we brought together our Diversify DSM partners, community organizations, and universities and recruiting representatives to see how we can achieve this vision — together, with a long-lasting result.   

Any of our Diversify DSM partners would be happy to tell you more. If you share our desire to grow diversity in DSM USA, join us. If you’re looking for a career change, consider financial services. If you’re helping young people explore future careers, introduce them to financial services. Whether it’s by working with the public, through a career in sales, helping families or assisting individuals’ step into a new home, working in marketing or public relations, ensuring compliance with complex regulations or using technology in innovative ways — the career possibilities within financial services are endless.

Learn more by emailing DiversifyDSM@fhlbdm.com, visiting our website and following us on social: #diversifyDSM.

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.