Kiersten Maertens Appointed to Partner at Flynn Wright

In the season of summer interns, Kiersten Maertens may just be the best example of them all. In 2006, she walked through the doors of Flynn Wright as a public relations intern. Fast forward nearly 20 years later, and she’s the agency’s newest partner. Now that’s career trajectory. Maertens, Flynn Wright’s Vice President of Account Services, was named an agency partner effective July 10, 2025. She joins local business leaders Aaron Kennedy, Paul Schleuter, Sarah DeKock, Kyle Prendergast, Bridget Proctor and Jeff White on the agency’s executive leadership team.

Storied Career With Flynn Wright

After earning her bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from the University of Northern Iowa in 2006, she officially began her career at the agency in public relations and moved into an account service role in 2009.

It was in account services where her servant leadership and relationship building shone; she progressed through a variety of promotions within the agency, most recently being named Vice President of Account Services in November 2024. From high level strategy to hands-on detail, Maertens is well-known for her ability to dive into projects and solve complex challenges.

“Throughout her career at Flynn Wright, Kiersten has demonstrated a keen understanding of how we operate this business in a way that drives long-term client success alongside positive business outcomes for our team,” said Paul Schlueter, President of Flynn Wright and agency partner. “As someone who started her journey as an intern, she fulfills the promise that at Flynn Wright, anything is possible.”

Maertens’ leadership style has been key to growing the talent and skills of dozens of employees, working side-by-side with her colleagues to problem solve to the very end. “My joy comes from helping others be successful and thrive,” Maertens said. “For nearly 20 years, I’ve helped Flynn Wright, our clients and my team achieve personal and professional goals. It’s incredibly rewarding. As Flynn Wright continues to grow, my goal is to foster an exceptional service-minded culture that challenges the status quo. To lead in this organization is incredible, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

Over the course of her tenure, Flynn Wright has grown from a team of 30 to 100 and has expanded to open an office in Sioux Falls, S.D. and most, recently, Portland, Ore. As the Flynn Wright team grows, adding Maertens as a partner is key to continued growth and alignment across offices.

Service Beyond the Office

Maertens’ contributions to clients and local organizations go far beyond the corridors of Flynn Wright, benefiting the DSM community her family calls home. Maertens was recognized in 2024 as a Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 Honoree, acknowledging her as not only a trusted colleague, but a respected individual by her peers throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM).

As an involved community member, senior team member and natural leader, Maertens’ is a perfect addition to the Flynn Wright partnership team.

About Flynn Wright

Flynn Wright was founded in 1984 and has grown into a full-service agency, offering advertising, marketing, public relations, research, video and web development services, with more than 100 employees. The agency has three locations: Des Moines, Iowa, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Portland, Ore.

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