At the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, we are an award-winning organization dedicated to filling community gaps in new, unique, and innovative ways. Recognizing the potential to expand our impact, we brought together key stakeholders from across the region in the fall of 2023 to form the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation. By establishing a 501(c)(3) foundation, we can address community and regional needs in novel ways, ensuring sustainable growth for our city for the next 100 years. This initiative is part of ten new initiatives celebrating the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s 100-year anniversary. We aimed to do something big and meaningful to serve our population, and the foundation stands as a testament to our commitment to creating a thriving future for West Des Moines.

Mission

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation collaborates with area business leaders and key stakeholders to secure our future as a thriving community. We solve community problems, create opportunities, and serve as a support mechanism for our city, region, and state, helping position West Des Moines as the best place in America to live, work, and play.

Vision

Our vision is to be the premier nonprofit organization in our region that fosters innovation, addresses community needs, and acts as a catalyst for new ideas to help our community thrive.

Values

The core principles of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation are to:

Innovate
Create
Collaborate
Accelerate in serving the needs of our community.

Executive Board of Trustees

President: Katherine Harrington
Chair: Tina Mowry Hadden – Owner & Principal / Mowry Strategies and 2023 WDM Citizen of the Year
Chair Elect: Paul Schut – Technology Advisory / Marco Technologies
Treasurer: Renee Hardman – President & CEO / Lutheran Services in Iowa & West Des Moines City Council Member; Member At-Large
Secretary: Therese Wielage - Retired Executive/ Merchants Bonding Company
Past Chair: Chris Nelson - Principal / Shive-Hattery

Board of Trustees

Annie Brandt – Senior Vice President, Market Executive / Bank of America
Kristi Burma – Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer / Athene
Jon Hummel – Vice President Commercial Banking / West Bank
Mike McCoy – Retired CEO / NCMIC
Matthew McKinney – Gov. Relations Counsel & Litigation Attorney / BrownWinick & West Des Moines City Council Member; At-Large & Mayor Pro Tem
Eugene Meyer – Past Mayor / City of West Des Moines
Jo Christine Miles – Director / Principal Foundation & Community Relations
Loretta Sieman – Owner / LJS Consulting & Past West Des Moines City Council Member
Sean Willett - President & CEO, Director / Lincoln Savings Bank

Advisory Committee

Danny Beyer - Senior Financial Advisor / Apella Wealth
Nick Callison - Business Development Director / UHY - US
Marta Codina - Retired Banking Executive / Wells Fargo
Brenda Cushing – Retired Insurance Executive & Board Member
Dan Houston – Retired Chairman, President & CEO / Principal Financial Group
Richard Hurd – Founder & President / Hurd Real Estate
Kathryn Kunert – Vice President, Economic Connections and Integration / MidAmerican Energy Company
Christina Moffatt - Assistant Director of Business Development Income Solutions / Principal Financial Group
Suku Radia – Retired Community Leader & Board Member
Gregory F. Roll – Founder / Touchpoint
Claudia Schabel - VP of Programs / Iowa Women's Foundation
Georgia Van Gundy – Deputy Director / Iowa Workforce Development

Foundation Focus Areas

Workforce Development

Our foundation is committed to strengthening the local workforce by equipping individuals with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations, we aim to provide training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development initiatives that empower individuals at all career stages. By investing in workforce development, we strive to create a more skilled and adaptable labor force that meets the needs of our region’s employers, supports upward mobility, and ensures long-term economic vitality for West Des Moines and beyond.

Economic Prosperity

We believe that a thriving local economy is essential for the well-being of our community. Our foundation’s focus on economic prosperity involves fostering an environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and create jobs. We support initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment, and enhance the economic infrastructure of our region. This includes providing resources for small business owners, facilitating connections between businesses and potential partners, and advocating for policies that promote economic growth. Our goal is to build a diverse, dynamic, and resilient economy that benefits all members of our community and contributes to regional and state-wide prosperity.

Civic Engagement

A vibrant community is built on the active participation of its citizens. Our foundation is dedicated to promoting civic engagement by encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the future of West Des Moines. We support programs and initiatives that foster community involvement, leadership development, and collaboration among diverse groups. By engaging with local government, nonprofits, and community leaders, we aim to create a more inclusive and connected community where every voice is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common good. Through civic engagement, we build stronger, more cohesive communities that are better equipped to address local challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation

By West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Supporting Workforce Development, Economic Prosperity, and Civic Engagement. A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.