Capital Crossroads Names Emily Kessinger as Director

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 3, 2020) – Emily Kessinger has been selected as the new Capital Crossroads Director. In this role, Kessinger will represent the Capital Crossroads Tri-Chairs and guide implementation of the regional vision plan, working closely with community and business leaders and volunteers.

“I’m excited to continue the momentum of Capital Crossroads by working closely with our extensive network of volunteers and community leaders,” Kessinger said. “There are so many important projects underway that will transform the Central Iowa region, and it is up to us to continue the progress."

Kessinger has more than 10 years of experience in communications and project management, having most recently served as Business Development Manager at The Weitz Company. She previously served as The Iowa Center’s Women’s Business Center Project Manager and as Business Development Director for Artmill Group in Chicago. 

“Emily is a rising star, and she will bring a unique blend of experience to help push Capital Crossroads and our region forward,” said Angela Connolly, Polk County Board of Supervisor and Capital Crossroads Tri-Chair Angela Connolly.

Kessinger currently serves on the Bravo Greater Des Moines Board, the After School Arts Program Board and is a committee member for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s Women Helping Women event. She is a graduate of the 2019 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Community Leadership Program. Additionally, Kessinger is a founding partner at Flag of Des Moines and is the founder of Yellow Door DSM.

“Emily brings extensive experience in business development, communications and project management that will be key in continuing to push the major initiatives that Capital Crossroads is working on, including the Central Iowa Water Trails project, the Make it OK Campaign, affordable housing-related initiatives and more,” said Kristi Knous, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and Capital Crossroads Tri-Chair.

Jay Byers, Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO and Capital Crossroads Tri-Chair added,

“As our region continues to maximize momentum, Emily brings a proven track record of innovation and creativity and has demonstrated her commitment to our community and strong leadership through her professional and volunteer efforts.”

Kessinger earned her bachelor of arts degree in English and an MBA in Organizational Development/Marketing from the University of Denver. She lives on the south side of Des Moines with her husband Mason and son, Hughes, who is approaching his first birthday.

Kessinger begins her role as Capital Crossroads Director on Jan. 13.

About Capital Crossroads

Capital Crossroads is a bold but achievable vision pushing Central Iowans to dream big, not settle for good enough, think long term, and work together. Capital Crossroads brings together nearly 700 community volunteers to meet the challenges of the future while building on our past successes. It is in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Prairie Meadows, and the United Way of Central Iowa.