August 05, 2026
By: Amanda Lewis
DMPS and the DMPS Foundation Launch a New Era of Community Partnership
When Des Moines Public Schools began its ambitious Reimagining Education initiative, district leaders recognized that transforming the educational experience for nearly 30,000 students would require more than public investment alone. It would require deeper partnerships across Greater Des Moines (DSM).
That realization led to the creation of a new shared leadership position between Des Moines Public Schools and the DMPS Foundation, bringing philanthropy and public education together under a unified vision.
Leading that work is Melanie Campbell, who now serves as Executive Director of the DMPS Foundation and Director of Philanthropic Engagement for Des Moines Public Schools.
![Melanie Campbell headshot]()
Melanie Campbell
Executive Director of the DMPS Foundation and Director of Philanthropic Engagement for Des Moines Public Schools
Campbell brings more than two decades of experience building relationships among donors, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. Her career has centered on connecting people with opportunities to create a lasting impact.
Most recently, Campbell served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Mercy College of Health Sciences, where she helped raise more than $15 million for the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing. Before that, she spent more than a decade with United Way of Central Iowa, eventually serving as Chief Donor Engagement Officer. During her tenure, the organization grew its annual campaign to a record $29 million while expanding major gifts, federal grants and community partnerships.
She also brings a long history of civic leadership, serving on numerous nonprofit and community boards throughout Central Iowa, including previous service with the DMPS Foundation. Those experiences have shaped her belief that lasting community change happens when organizations work together around a common purpose.
Today, that purpose is helping every student discover a pathway to success.
![OneRun with DMPS Foundation]()
OneRun District-Wide Fundraiser
"Public education has always been one of the strongest investments a community can make," Campbell said. "Our students already have incredible talent, determination and potential. My role is to help connect the generosity and expertise that exist throughout Greater Des Moines with opportunities that help students grow and thrive. When our schools succeed, our workforce, our neighborhoods and our entire region become stronger together."
A Coordinated Approach to Philanthropy
The position represents a new chapter for both the district and the Foundation. While the Foundation continues its long tradition of supporting students and educators, the partnership creates a coordinated approach to philanthropy that aligns community investment with the district's long-term strategic priorities, including Reimagining Education.
Those priorities include expanding career and technical education, creating innovative learning environments, and preparing students for college, careers, military service and life. Superintendent Matt Smith said the new structure reflects the district's commitment to building stronger relationships with the community while creating more opportunities for businesses and philanthropic partners to make a meaningful difference.
![DMPS Foundation Dinner]()
DMPS Foundation Dinner
"Melanie understands both the educational mission and the philanthropic community," Smith said. "Her leadership will help us build partnerships that create opportunities for students while allowing businesses and community leaders to invest in the workforce and community they want to see tomorrow."
For the Foundation, the partnership also creates an opportunity to expand its reach and better align fundraising with the district's most significant needs.
"This partnership allows us to think bigger about what's possible," said Katy Swalwell, Board Chair of the DMPS Foundation. "Melanie has spent her career bringing people together around meaningful work. She understands both the needs of our students and the interests of our philanthropic community. That combination will help us build stronger relationships, inspire greater investment and create opportunities that benefit students for years to come."
Campbell believes those opportunities extend well beyond financial support.
"There are countless ways for businesses and community members to become part of this work," Campbell said. "Whether it's mentoring students, sharing expertise, opening doors to internships, supporting innovative programs or investing philanthropically, every partnership helps prepare young people for the future. My goal is to make those connections meaningful for everyone involved."
As Des Moines Public Schools continues implementing its long-term vision for Reimagining Education, Campbell sees her role as building bridges between classrooms and the broader community.
"The future of our region depends on the success of today's students," she said. "I look forward to working alongside businesses, donors, foundations and community leaders who share that vision and want to help create even greater opportunities for every student in Des Moines."
Reach out to Melanie Campbell at melanie.campbell@dmschools.org or (515) 779-6697.
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