Board of Directors
The YPC Board is made up of 19 board members that are elected annually. To contact any member of our board, click the link below.
President - Reilly Smidt
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Reilly Smidt
He/Him
President
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Hometown:
West Des Moines, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Ernst & Young
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Outside of work I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and playing golf.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite things about Des Moines is the people. Each day I am inspired by the friendly and talented people I meet.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
YPC Gala, YPC Kick-Off Party, joint events with other YP groups, and numerous professional development and social events.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played an instrumental role in my career. There are a number of local business leaders who have been generous in sharing their time and expertise.
What are your words to live by?
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
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President Elect - Alex Gillach
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Alex Gillach
He/Him/His
President Elect
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Hometown:
Minneapolis, MN
Alma Mater:
Hamline University
Employer:
Target
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I love to go biking, exploring Des Moines, going to yoga classes, reading, and traveling.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
There is something to do everyday.
What is something you'd like to see changed in Des Moines?
I'm excited for the airport expansion and would love to see more direct flights to Des Moines.
What app or technology do you use everyday?
I use Alexa for everything- turning on the lights, my alarm when I wake up, opening the blinds, turning on the oven, creating shopping lists, turning on my dishwasher.
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Past President - Cecily Robinson
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Cecily Robinson
She/Her
Past President
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Hometown:
Marion, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Iowa
Employer:
Easterseals, IA
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
My favorite activity is trying new restaurants and food. I also love attending events around the metro area, starting (and something finishing) craft projects, going on walks around the trail system, and continuing to learn new things.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
The ability to make an impact in my community
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Having mentors has given me the opportunity to advance my career and build a great network
What are your words to live by?
"There's got to be a voice deep within you that is untouched by definitions. And it is there that you become divinely who you are." - Viola Davis
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Secretary and Treasurer - James Van Diest
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James Van Diest
He/Him
Secretary and Treasurer
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Hometown:
Webster City
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Van Diest Capital
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I enjoy staying active with things like golf, functional fitness, disc golf, basketball, kayaking, and Spikeball. Alongside staying active I enjoy traveling around the world, spending time with my wonderful family and friends and learning new things, generally finance or business related.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
Des Moines offers you both the atmosphere of a small town with long-standing friendships and genuine individuals and the atmosphere for an innovative, business savvy network of opportunity with a plethora of corporations. It's unique and hard to beat no matter where you are in the US.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
The ability to learn and compound skills only accelerates as both a mentee and mentor because you're taking the expertise, knowledge and mindset of another and merging those years or areas of wisdom with your own. It's helped me to find opportunity, advance my breadth of knowledge and avoid mistakes that others guided me away from. Mentorship is a valuable tool to use regardless of your area of interest.
What are your words to live by?
"The fish don't just jump in the boat, and life is short so go win each day you're blessed to receive."
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Communications Director - Megan Hurd
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Megan Hurd
She/Her
Communications Director
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Hometown:
Garwin, IA
Alma Mater:
Marshalltown Community College
Employer:
PolicyWorks
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
When I'm not at work, you'll find me in the kitchen, indulging my love for cooking. I'm also passionate about interior design and hunting for unique home decor treasures. On top of that, I enjoy spending time with my mini Australian Shepherd, Koda, exploring fun activities together!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I love how much culture Des Moines has! You never realize how many great restaurants, festivals, and small shops there are until you dive in. I've also been enjoying downtown lately, with all it has to offer and the wonderful walking trails around here for the dog!
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would love to expand our horizon for events and activities to help promote small businesses outside of the downtown area. There's so much potential in various neighborhoods, and by creating more opportunities for these businesses to shine, we can foster a more inclusive and vibrant community throughout Des Moines.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
If I had to choose, I'd admit I rely heavily on Facebook for staying updated on current events and Pinterest for sparking my creativity. They're my daily go-tos for staying informed and inspired!
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Professional Development Chair - Amit Mahapatra
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Amit Mahapatra
He/Him
Professional Development Chair
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Hometown:
Delhi, India
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Progressive Insurance
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Cooking pizzas on my rooftop or kneading pasta doughs in the kitchen
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
Walkability to things in Downtown Des Moines (Farmer's Market, Festivals at/around Sculpture Park every summer)
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
I’ve worked alongside Tippie College of Business during my first term as Professional Development Chair to organize events like “Navigating Career Transitions” and “The Art of Storytelling” to help young professionals of Des Moines gain practical insights, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to grow personally and professionally and I am excited to continue that in my second term.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I’d love to see more walkable, community-driven neighborhoods with local businesses, green spaces, and better public transit; hopefully making Des Moines feel less like a car-first city and more like a connected community.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
Calendar - if it;s not on my calendar, it does not exist.
What are your words to live by?
Under promise, over deliver!
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Volunteer Chair - Shiven Sinha
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Shiven Sinha
He/Him
Volunteer Chair
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Hometown:
Redmond, Washington
Alma Mater:
Emory University
Employer:
Principal Financial Group
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Playing tennis and pickleball, jamming out on guitar, and watching movies!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
How nice and welcoming everyone is, especially for someone new to the area!
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
Getting started with Causes and Connections coming up in April
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my career. As a Leadership Development Program Associate at Principal, I constantly seek to gain value both from mentoring others and finding mentors for myself. I believe there is always something to be learned in mentor-mentee relationships. Having that connection with others, learning to take feedback and change for the better, and being able to listen to all types of people can only set you up for success and help you become a more open-minded person.
What app or technology do you rely on everyday?
Google maps. I really don't know how people survived before this was invented.
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Civic Chair - Amelia Arku
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Amelia Arku
She/Her
Civic Chair
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Hometown:
Moline, IL
Alma Mater:
Purdue University
Employer:
Bankers Trust
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I'll either be gardening, working out, cooking, traveling, or spending time with my significant other.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
Des Moines offers a unique small-town charm with a big-city feel. In addition to countless quality local restaurants and an easily accessible international airport, throughout the year there are always fun events and festivals for all ages to enjoy. With a lower cost of living compared to larger urban centers, the welcoming community fosters meaningful connections and collaborations for all.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has been pivotal in shaping my career journey, providing invaluable guidance and wisdom that accelerated my professional growth. Through mentorship, I've gained insights into myself and my industry, honed my leadership skills, and navigated critical career decisions with agility with the confidence imbued on me. I am forever grateful for the mentors who have invested in my personal and professional development, empowering me to achieve milestones and lead the life I've imagined.
What are your words to live by?
"Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them." - Marcus Aurelius
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Social Chair - Liv Wendt
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Liv Wendt
She/Her
Social Chair
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Hometown:
Bondurant, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Northern Iowa
Employer:
Berkey Home Builders and Berkey Construction
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
When I am not doing something work related, you can find me cheering on the Green Bay Packers, finding the best bruschetta in Des Moines, attending concerts, or thrifting.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
One of my favorite things about Des Moines is how there’s always something happening in the city. Whether it's a local festival, farmers market, live music, or a community event in one of the many parks, there's never a shortage of ways to stay entertained and connected. The city has a vibrant calendar year-round, this constant flow of activity brings a strong sense of community and makes it easy to explore new interests, meet people, and enjoy what the city has to offer.
What would you like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would like to see more promotion of the benefits of living in the Midwest, particularly Des Moines. We have welcoming communities with so much to offer. "Iowa nice" is a real thing that more need to experience!
What are your words to live by?
"Grateful for where I'm at. Excited for where I am going."
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Membership Chair - Maura Saltzman
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Maura Saltzman
She/Her/Hers
Membership Chair
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Hometown:
Gilbert, IA
Alma Mater:
Simpson College
Employer:
United Way of Central Iowa
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Outside of work, I enjoy riding bikes, playing soccer, taking art classes, and going to concerts. I love spending time outdoors, and the Des Moines Metro has several great parks and trails!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite thing about Des Moines is that it's a smaller city but offers the same things as a larger metropolitan area. There is always something to do!
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a huge role in my career. Beginning in college, through grad school, and now in my professional career, I have worked with some wonderful leaders who took time to teach and guide me. As I progress in my career, I look forward to mentoring others.
What are your words to live by?
"What you are will show in what you do."
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Impact Downtown Chair - Bryan Stewart
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Bryan Stewart
He/Him
Impact Downtown Chair
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Hometown:
West Des Moines, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Casey's
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I enjoy exploring new biking trails, going on walks, spending time with friends at local spots, and making memories with my family.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite thing about Des Moines is the strong sense of community. The city offers a wide range of opportunities while maintaining a close-knit, connected feel across industries and workplaces.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
As a new board member, I haven't had the opportunity to actively participate in any projects yet, but I'm excited to get involved soon!
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my career, guiding me to grow and improve every day. Whether through internships, leadership initiatives, or my current role, I’ve found that collaborating with others toward a shared goal not only drives success but also creates valuable opportunities for learning and growth for everyone involved.
What are your words to live by?
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
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Athletics Coordinator - Sammie Wampler
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Sammie Wampler
She/Her
Athletics Coordinator
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Hometown:
Johnston, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University (BS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (Masters)
Employer:
LCS
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
My hobbies include playing pickleball, golfing, painting, and reading. I enjoy watching Iowa State athletics and the Kansas City Chiefs.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My best friends and family live in Des Moines.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
I organized a pickleball tournament, golf lessons, Iowa Cubs get-together, and a broomball team as the athletic coordinator last year.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
More accessible public transportation and biking lanes
What are your words to live by?
Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
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Social Media Coordinator - Abhishek Gaur
Digital Coordinator - Lauren Hilton
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Lauren Hilton
She/Her
Digital Coordinator
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Hometown:
Waukee, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Workiva
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I love anything that involves creativity and music; making pottery, learning instruments, and attending as many concerts as I can!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
There is always something to do, no matter what you're interested in.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
I've participated in golf lessons and attended social events. I'm excited to become more involved as a new board member during this upcoming term!
What are your words to live by?
"What good is living a life you've been given if all you do is stand in one place?" - Lord Huron
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