Sustaining Growth Through Regional Leadership
Recently, the Greater Des Moines Partnership was one of the co-hosts of the 2026 National Civility Summit, in partnership with the Iowa League of Cities and the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
One of the panel discussions focused on how we work collaboratively as one region to drive regional success. Jo Christine Miles, Director, Principal Foundation and Principal Community Relations at Principal Financial Group, and Kathryn Kunert, Vice President – Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy company spoke on the panel and Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of The Partnership, moderated the discussion.
Opportunities to Lead in Greater Des Moines
One thing that we know to be true, and that the discussion reminded attendees, is that our region’s success over many decades can be attributed in part to the willingness of people in leadership roles to truly engage in the effort to advance projects and initiatives that make Greater Des Moines stronger. From small business leaders to Fortune 500 CEO’s, our region has benefited from the vision and unwavering commitment to bettering our community.
There has been a significant amount of leadership transitions at companies and organizations in Greater Des Moines in recent years. According to the Business Record, more than 200 executive leadership transitions have taken place over the last two years. It is important to remember the impact that regional leaders can have by getting involved in the community.
Sustained growth depends on leaders who are prepared, connected and thinking long-term about this region. That is why one of The Partnership’s Strategic Priorities for 2026 is to position Greater Des Moines for the future by convening leaders and connecting on regional priorities.
Working with Business Publications Corporation and Story Board Advisors, we are already working to advance this priority with the launch of the Greater Des Moines CEO Master Class, which kicked off in February. This class intentionally convenes new, current and legacy leaders to strengthen regional connectivity and a shared commitment to regional priorities. We have welcomed 17 leaders to the first class who are newer to their role to learn from nearly 30 established leaders that will serve as mentors and panelists.
As part of this Strategic Priority, The Partnership will also host eight Regional Roundtables on AI, education and workforce skills, health care, housing, child care, water, global talent, and transportation, and seven Key Industry Roundtables on development, advanced manufacturing, ag innovation, data centers, insurance, finance, and logistics. These events will convene and connect leaders on regional opportunities. These events are open to Partnership Investors and Affiliate Chamber team members.
Additionally, The Partnership hosts a number of events for Investors and Affiliate Chamber of Commerce leaders throughout the year to help form lasting connections, including a recent tour of the Fleur Drive Water Treatment Plant and an afternoon enjoying Sleepy Hollow last fall.
Whether you are a new or established leader at any level, I encourage you to lean into the role of community supporter. If you look around the region, you’ll see plenty of examples of major projects and growth that happened because leaders collaborated across sectors and jurisdictional lines to push forward regional priorities. Get involved in a project that sparks your passion. Become one of the torchbearers for next project that will further enhance our community’s ability to retain and attract business and offers its employees a place they are proud to call home.
Let’s do our part to ensure continued growth for the next generation.
Learn more about upcoming Partnership Investor and Affiliate events at DSMpartnership.com/events.
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