A recent review of Business Record archives found at least 552 executive leadership changes have happened in the Des Moines area since 2020. One-third of those changes, 211, occurred between 2024 and August 2025. 

Among the changes these transitions bring to businesses and the region’s leadership dynamic is more space for the ideas, values and leadership of the next generation of young professionals who will be the next to affect change across the community. 

Each year, the Business Record honors 40 of these young leaders with our Forty Under 40 awards. We asked them about their aspirations for the future and the advice they would give to young professionals. 

These are just a few of the questions we asked the honorees. To read their full profiles, visit businessrecord.com/40

Emily Adreon

assistant director, customer experience, Principal Financial Group

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to expand my impact in our local community to make sure Des Moines stays an amazing place to work, live and play. I want to build on my past experiences and use those lessons learned to engage with organizations that are doing great work.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Choose joy. There is so much power in choosing to live above your circumstances. We’ll all face different adversity in life and the mindset we choose each day is impactful to yourself and others around you. Finding the positive has a ripple effect.

Adib Amini

program director, University of Wisconsin-Madison

What are your aspirations for the future?

I hope to help cities and communities have well-designed water systems that benefit the city and its citizens. I’m always happy to meet and talk with city staff and elected officials to support them. I also hope to help more people appreciate the wonder and importance of our water infrastructure and bring more people into the water profession.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

The advice I would give is to connect with people with the goal of supporting them. It’s best to create relationships where we all want others to succeed and we lift each other up. Our culture and school system often promote ideas of competition and survival. But life is already hard enough as it is. When we create environments of collaboration instead of competition, working to lift each other up, it makes life worth living.

Joel Anderson

partner, RSM

What are your aspirations for the future?

I just made partner at RSM and am excited about launching our managed services platform, Catamaran, for local governments. I want to help streamline their back-office operations so they can focus more on citizen-facing issues, making government more efficient and impactful for communities.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Stay curious and always take the coffee meeting. The best opportunities come from unexpected conversations, learning new perspectives and embracing challenges. Build genuine relationships, ask questions and keep growing — you never know where a simple chat might lead.

Cory Bauer

director, sales and customer relations, Delta Dental of Iowa

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to spend more time helping people. I’ve been in individual contributor roles over the years but have always gravitated toward leading people. I want to continue to help others and focus on giving back more to the community and those in need.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Be curious by embracing new experiences, keeping an open mind and asking genuine open-ended questions. Build relationships by showing empathy, being present and following up on conversations. This will lead to a life of curiosity, impactful conversations and valuable connections.

Kayli Becker

chief of staff for philanthropic engagement, Des Moines Public Schools

What are your aspirations for the future?

In the future, I aim to strike the perfect balance between supporting those around me and taking care of myself. I’m eager to keep making a difference in the community and discovering fresh ways to do so. Along the way, I’ll be learning from others to become a stronger leader. Oh, and of course, I’ll be rallying the community to support our 30,000 students through funding, engagement and a little bit of volunteer magic!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Try not to compare yourself to others. Set your goals and work for them at your own pace. Be a sponge to those around you, and seek out mentors to guide your journey. Realize that nobody has it all figured out and the only thing you can do is keep pushing forward.

Jake Brus

vice president and managing director, Wixted & Co.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Meet as many people as I can. My philosophy has always been to keep an open mind and see where life takes you. When I went to college, I didn’t even know my current career was an option. Through meeting people, taking chances and working at it, I think we can accomplish most anything. Also, to buy a lake house.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Just do it. Make a plan and get started. Go to the meeting. Introduce yourself. Email someone to meet for coffee. Do the research. Take the first step in making something you are interested in become a reality. The next steps will be easier.

Trent Burley

partner and private wealth adviser, McGill Junge Wealth Management

What are your aspirations for the future?

I have four simple goals: Trust God, love my family, be a good teammate and compete every day. I want to present where I’m present and be there for others, whether it is my family, our clients, our work team or people in the community.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Work like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God.

La Toshia Burrell

CEO and founder, Redefine & Reveal Massage Therapy & Bodywork LLC

What are your aspirations for the future?

I will be growing my business from a dream into reality with the opening of Restorative Retreat: Healing & Wellness Center in April. This center will be a holistic hub where community meets healing in the heart of the Sherman Hill neighborhood focused on offering trusted services and compassionate care.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Starting over isn’t failure — it’s redirection. When a job, relationship or opportunity leaves your life, it’s making space for something more aligned. Trust the process, embrace change and see fresh starts as growth, not setbacks. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you’ll find where you’re truly meant to be.

Spencer Cady

shareholder and attorney, Nyemaster Goode PC

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m hopeful we can continue to recruit and retain young talent from larger markets to establish their professional careers in Iowa. Iowa has so much to offer for young professionals. Not only does Iowa offer lower costs of living and a good work-life balance, but it presents a wealth of opportunities for young, talented professionals to gain invaluable professional experience far sooner than they could obtain in larger markets.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Do not be afraid to seek out mentorship and advice from members and leaders in your profession who you respect and admire, and be cognizant of and have the self-confidence to step up to new opportunities as they arise, even if they come at unexpected times.

Angela Christensen

construction project manager, Ryan Cos.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Teach: Being in college was an important experience both professionally and personally. That time in life is monumental, and I hope to continue finding opportunities to give back to students.   

Dream job: My dream job is to own and manage an event center locally. I would love to create a place for families to eat and play. I would host recreational sporting activities, weddings, corporate events, family reunions and kids camps.   

Cabin: I dream of building a cabin on a lake for family and friends to enjoy together.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Find your confidence. When I used to walk on a jobsite I was intimidated. As a young woman, I felt like I wouldn’t fit in. Yet, the only one making me feel like I didn’t belong was my inner self. I learned to act as if others were intimidated of me. It gave me the confidence to walk up to a foreman, to ask about their trade, knowing someone brought up in it knew much more about the topic than I did. It gave me the comfort to share my opinion and add real value to the project.

Diana Echeverria

community impact manager, United Way of Central Iowa

What are your aspirations for the future?

My future aspirations are to take on impactful roles that allow me to create and support initiatives focused on community development. I aim to design programs that empower individuals, invest in local communities and address community critical initiatives. I want to work within organizations that align their business goals with the betterment of society, offering opportunities for growth and positive, long-term impact both for employees and the community.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

When you are unsure of your purpose, try something new. You might discover a passion, or at the very least, gain clarity on what does not work for you. Every experience offers valuable lessons, helping you grow and refine your path toward your next opportunity.

Tom Florian

account manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’ll never stop telling the story of (West) Des Moines, but one other specific aspiration is to officially transition some of my business ideas into reality: connecting student-athletes with local businesses utilizing NIL, starting a coffee shop/brewery by Drake called “The Brew Oval” and a variety of other concepts.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Ted Lasso says it best: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Ask questions, don’t make assumptions. Give people the benefit of the doubt and show genuine care for others. Showing generosity of time, talent and treasure will inevitably lead to success.

Robert Gavora

vice president, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center

What are your aspirations for the future?

My ultimate career aspiration is to be the CEO/president of a health care system that includes outpatient clinics, hospitals and acute care centers. I’m blessed in that my current role involves oversight of one of the largest business units and service lines within MercyOne, giving me invaluable experience and great professional satisfaction. Cardiovascular medicine is unique in that its clinical work is heavily involved in both the outpatient (clinic) and inpatient (hospital) settings, meaning our work is at the forefront of many pertinent organizational initiatives and projects. Personally, I aspire for my sons to be open-minded, good-hearted young men who treat others with respect and kindness while also staying true to their core values in life.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Don’t say no when asked to take on a new project or learn a new skill unless you truly believe it would be detrimental to your development as a professional. Part of how I got my foot in the door at MercyOne and built relationships with leaders and providers in our organization was showing up early, staying late and not saying no to taking on more or new work. I always have, and continue to, view new asks of myself or my team as an opportunity, not a burden, and that has allowed myself and those close to me at work to grow and be exposed to new, exciting opportunities. Don’t hold yourself back, make sure when you go to bed at night you’ve done everything within your control to help advance your career.

Manuel Eduardo Gutierrez

fellowship associate, Principal Financial Network

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to continue growing both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on those around me. I want to help create opportunities for Latino men and women in Iowa through organizations like Association of Latino Professionals for America. Most importantly, I strive to lead a life that reflects my values — one rooted in faith, family and service to others.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Be intentional about building relationships and seeking mentorship. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and never be afraid to ask for guidance. Opportunities often come from the connections you make, so invest in your network and always look for ways to learn and grow.

Becky Hammond

vice president – client service leader, employee benefits and shareholder, Holmes Murphy

What are your aspirations for the future?

My aspiration for the future is to inspire and empower others — personally as a mother, professionally as a leader and within the Greater Des Moines community as a donor, volunteer and advocate.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

One piece of advice I would give is to just say yes. Say yes to new opportunities, challenges and experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. It will help you build resilience, expand your network, and discover strengths and passions that you may not have known you had.

Rajee Harris

chief operating officer, real estate operating company investments, Principal Real Estate

What are your aspirations for the future?

To continue driving growth at Principal Real Estate while supporting institutional clients and the pension beneficiaries they serve. Beyond my career, I’m committed to addressing housing affordability by investing in safe, affordable rentals that preserve Des Moines’ historic architecture — creating a lasting impact on both the community and Des Moines’ character.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Build a reputation for hard work, initiative and reliability. You’re not expected to know everything early on, but showing a willingness to learn and take on challenges with accountability will help you build confidence and earn the support of mentors and advocates. This will accelerate your growth and career trajectory.

Rocio Hermosillo

co-founder and CEO, Team ELLLA

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’ve realized that a big part of growth is understanding what season you’re in — and giving yourself permission to be in it fully. Right now, I’m in a season of expansion, exploration and alignment. I don’t have one perfectly defined aspiration, but I know I’m here to create, connect and build spaces where people can thrive.

For me, that looks like writing my first book, working on projects like the Food Hall on Sixth Avenue and helping others step into ownership and investment. And it also means stepping more into my voice — because I know that sharing what I’ve learned, from business to personal growth, is one of the most impactful things I can do.

More than anything, I want to continue being in rooms where real conversations happen — about leadership, about business, about the work that truly transforms communities and lives. I know that the best ideas, partnerships and opportunities come when we surround ourselves with the right people. So if you’re someone who’s passionate about growth, connection or making an impact, let’s talk. Because the most meaningful work doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when we come together.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Consistency over motivation — because motivation fades, but discipline moves you forward. Consistency isn’t about giving 100% every day; it’s about giving your best that day. Don’t focus on the results — focus on the actions you commit to daily. The real growth happens in the journey, and when you show up consistently, the results take care of themselves. Start now — steady and strong. Tu puedes!

Anthony Hughes

director of marketing, Prairie Meadows

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to launch an initiative focused on mental health awareness and support, particularly for underserved communities. I want to create a lasting impact by fostering open conversations and providing resources that help individuals heal and thrive, ensuring future generations have access to the care they need.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Focus on building relationships, not just tasks. Cultivate a network of mentors, peers and collaborators. Success often comes from who you know and how you work with others. Always seek to learn, grow and contribute to the bigger picture.

AnneMarie Johnson

director of human resources, ChildServe

What are your aspirations for the future?

The impact ChildServe employees have on the children and families we serve is truly something to celebrate. As a team, we aim to continue developing a robust employee engagement and recognition program to ensure staff work is seen, valued and appreciated, giving team members the space to excel every day. Additionally, I aspire to be a role model for my three daughters, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication and giving back to the community.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Be authentic to who you are. Sometimes, an easier or faster way may seem tempting, but if you lose yourself in the process, it’s not worth it. Stay true to your core values and beliefs, and when you reach your destination, it will be far greater and more rewarding than you could have imagined.

Tim Johnson

YouthBuild director, Great Oaks High School

What are your aspirations for the future?

My passion lies in equipping youths and families with the skills and resources they need to thrive. I firmly believe that everyone does the best they can each day, but I also recognize that circumstances beyond our control can create barriers. That’s why I am committed to ensuring people have the support they need — not just to survive, but to truly live. I want to be an active part of this work and continue driving meaningful change across Iowa.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Don’t be intimidated by titles or the names in the room. Show up as yourself — courageous, authentic and unapologetic. People connect more with genuine authenticity than with anything forced or inauthentic.

Alex Lynch

director of regional community integration, Greater Des Moines Partnership

What are your aspirations for the future?

I still have a lot to learn! I’d like to take advantage of professional development opportunities to sharpen my skills and better serve the Greater Des Moines region through impactful, collaborative initiatives. Additionally, I want to learn from all the great leaders in DSM.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Be a fountain, not a drain. Stay positive, contribute ideas and help those around you succeed. Your energy and attitude can make all the difference.

LB Lyons

vice president for advancement, Grand View University

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m on fire for Grand View University — we’re on the cusp of manifesting our next chapter. Our president’s council, board of trustees, faculty and staff, alumni and donors are committed to GV’s mission of engaging, equipping and empowering our learners to explore their vocations, fulfill their potential and serve the world.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Abraham Lincoln is often credited for saying, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Take this to heart and hone your craft into being the best where you are now regardless of title or position. It’s a motto that I’ve applied personally and professionally.

Ashley Mataloni

assistant vice president and shareholder, Innovative Captive Strategies

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to continue to grow in my role as a professional and as a mother, in a way that allows me to give back and help develop the next generation of the workforce, while being the best mother and wife I can be.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Start donating your time or money to causes you care about now. Your interest and investment in them will only grow with you!

Krystal Mikkilineni

shareholder, Dentons Davis Brown

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to continue growing my practice in restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency work in Iowa and across the nation. My practice focuses on representing distressed and struggling businesses in finding paths forward through a restructuring or sale, either in court or out of court.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Pursue meaningful relationships and mentorships in your personal and professional life, and don’t forget to give back through mentorship later in your life.

Erin Moran

senior director of communications, Young Women’s Resource Center

What are your aspirations for the future?

In the future I would like to continue developing my leadership skills, learn more about the operations side of nonprofits and gain insight into the functions and processes of the for-profit sector. I also aspire to expand my communications and strategic planning consulting services.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

My advice for a young person is to move intentionally, but not rigidly. Determining where you would like your career to go and setting specific goals is important, but it’s also imperative to leave room for unexpected opportunities and allow yourself to change your path.

Max Mowitz

executive director, One Iowa and One Iowa Action

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to make those that I work with feel seen, loved and empowered. I want to create sustainable growth for both One Iowa and the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund and to reach more marginalized people. Amid incredible hostility toward the trans community, I also want to survive and thrive.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Do not treat the people around you as objects to trade for success. Build community. Take care of others because it’s a part of your human spirit to do so, not for reciprocation. Stay human, support your community and the rest will fall into place.

Julian Neely

director of advancement and community investment, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

What are your aspirations for the future?

To make a difference in people’s lives in any way God sees fit. I pray that I am blessed to launch the EquiBuild Developer Incubator Initiative and Work That Impacts Housing Coalition projects at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. These projects will be transformative. It will foster future multifamily homes, prevent displacement, support families to live and create memories in a healthy home, and amplify people into a more sustaining and profitable career.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Listen, observe and learn. Seek new and old knowledge. Use your heart and mind to lead you to your purpose and passion.

Kaity Patchett

executive director, Capital Crossroads

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to see more young women in leadership roles, both professional and elected. Mentoring and receiving mentorship from other women is uniquely powerful and rewarding, and I’m eager to support progress in building the bench.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

You can hold yourself to a standard of excellence and strive to meet that each day. But you’re human and going to make mistakes. Use those moments to learn, improve and move forward. Perfection is unrealistic. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from taking risks or thinking big.

Jessie Phillips

chief development officer, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m excited for 100+ Women Who Care to surpass $1 million in donations to local charities! Our board is focused on expanding membership and growing our impact, ensuring more Central Iowa nonprofits receive the critical funding they need to serve our community.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

No one is thinking about you as much as you think they are — so stop holding yourself back. Don’t let fear of judgment keep you from speaking up, taking risks or going after opportunities.

Danielle Propst

planner, ISG

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to drive thoughtful economic development in Iowa’s rural communities, tackling key challenges like affordable housing, child care and downtown revitalization. By combining professional expertise and personal passion, I hope to create lasting, community-driven solutions that strengthen and sustain the places so many Iowans call home.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Say yes to opportunities. Try everything until you find what excites you. If you don’t see a clear path, identify a need and create your own solution — become invaluable by seeking out people who can answer your questions.

Becky Reif

attorney, Ahlers & Cooney PC

What are your aspirations for the future?

This is particularly hard to answer in such a particularly uncertain time, for Iowa, the country and myself. My biggest aspirations are to keep doing what I am doing, with the hopes of making realistically and incrementally bigger impacts, such as representing more clients seeking empathetic and experienced legal counsel and maintaining civic engagement in organizations around mentorship, food security and animal rescue. In a few words: sustained positive impact.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Don’t try to do it all at once. It is great to have ambition and drive, and a list of goals and desired accomplishments. But, doing too much at one time can cause burnout and discouragement. Set meaningful and realistic goals, even if that means not doing everything at once. Maybe take some time to really focus on your career, a different time to really focus on your community engagement, and a different time to better yourself.

Alex Rich

senior account manager, Trilix

What are your aspirations for the future?

Leadership Iowa has been a goal of mine, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful conversations with local business leaders across the state. I’m also looking forward to the future of Iowa Glow Co. and the continued growth of Trilix.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Get involved in the things you’re passionate about early on, and make networking a priority.

Quinlan Riser

founder and CEO, Riser Property Management Group

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to educate individuals nationwide, from youth to post-retirement, on the importance of financial planning. Circumstances change in life, and unexpected events occur all the time. A solid plan helps you navigate those situations with more peace of mind and confidence.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Read as much as you can. Knowledge is power — don’t wait for someone to educate you; take the initiative to do that yourself and always give back.

Zachary Rus

executive director, Iowa Safe Schools

What are your aspirations for the future?

Help create a world where people are accepted for who they are without having to fit into a box society has put them in. A “boxless” future without the need for labels, where individuals are recognized for all that they contribute to the world.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Three seconds of courage can make a lifetime of difference. Introduce yourself, get comfortable hearing no and focus on the virtues that drive you to live your best life, not the life you think others will be impressed by.

Alyssa Saunders

vice president of operations, Anthologic

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to drive meaningful impact through mentorship and leadership development, with a focus on empowering women. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for growth, fostering supportive communities and helping individuals navigate challenges. Long term, I hope to launch initiatives that help people confidently pursue their goals.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

My advice to a young professional would be to focus more on moving forward and taking chances than on always being “right.” It can feel like everyone else has the answers, but being brave enough to try, learn from mistakes and adapt is what truly drives growth and success.

Anna Squier

associate principal and architect, MA Architecture

What are your aspirations for the future?

To continue making a positive impact in the world by creating impactful spaces for people and communities. Lead projects that transform communities by designing spaces that promote well-being, sustainability and a strong sense of community.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

There is no one, straight line to success and happiness. Embrace the changes that may occur along the way. Find your unique passion, follow it and harness your superpower.

Daniel Van Sant

director of disability policy, Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

What are your aspirations for the future?

Like many nonprofit professionals, I dream of a world where my work is not needed. Whether you work at the local, state, national or international levels, if you are interested in making your work more universally designed and inclusive, I want to connect with you.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Don’t be afraid to reach out with requests for mentoring, advice, networking, etc. None of us on this list would be where we are today without support from people we respected and wanted to emulate. We’re often flattered when we can pay that forward, but we can’t help you if you don’t reach out.

Ronnie Wells

annual fund manager, Des Moines Performing Arts

What are your aspirations for the future?

My career aspirations are to serve in an executive leadership role within a Central Iowa arts and culture organization. Continuing to connect and learn from others, while also sharing my knowledge and expertise with those around me also plays a role in my immediate goals, both professionally and personally.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Be curious and get involved. Find an organization where your involvement fills your bucket and brings you joy. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make a connection. There are people within the community who are excited to support your goals and share their own experiences with you.

Jillian Williams

associate general counsel, Hubbell Realty Co.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I am committed to excelling in my career, making a lasting impact in my community, deepening my faith and building meaningful relationships. With purpose and determination, I strive to create positive change and pave the way for the next generation of women to rise even higher.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions to help further your growth. Nobody cheers for consistency or the habits you practice to improve yourself, but your hard work will pay off.

Jami Yoder

business development associate, Sammons Financial Group

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to use my platform in financial services to create pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds, like myself. By breaking down barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices, I aim to foster a more inclusive industry that reflects varied perspectives and drives meaningful evolution.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Growth isn’t always upward. Lateral development can be just as valuable, offering new skills, perspectives and opportunities to learn. Embrace every experience as a chance to develop, and remember that growth often comes from exploring different paths along the way.