Martha Willits, former president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, has been named AARP Iowa State President, the organization announced today.

Willits will lead the association’s Iowa Executive 

Council, working closely with AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern, as well as Iowa staff and volunteers. Willits moves to her position from a leadership role on the Executive Council. She had also served as an advisor in AARP Iowa’s state strategic planning process.

“I’m excited to become even more involved in addressing the needs of older Iowans and partner organizations throughout the state,” Willits said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to advancing AARP’s mission of quality of life for positive social change and quality of life for all as we age.”  

In addition to her role at the Partnership, Willits worked for United Way of Central Iowa as its chief professional officer. She also served on the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Willits retired from the Partnership in 2012. She was succeeded by current CEO Jay Byers.

Martha Willits: A look back and to the future

As Martha Willits was preparing for her retirement from the Greater Des Moines Partnership in early 2012, she sat down with the Business Record to reflect on Des Moines past, present and future. Read the story >>>