Kevin Vermeer of UnityPoint Health in West Des Moines and Dan Houston of Principal Financial Group Inc. in Des Moines have accepted invitations to join the Iowa Business Council.

Council membership consists of the top executives of the state’s largest employers, the state’s three public universities and the Iowa Bankers Association.

IBC Board Chair Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises Inc., said: “Kevin and Dan are outstanding additions to IBC’s membership, carrying forward the leadership legacies of two dynamic and important companies in Iowa. Both gentlemen possess reputations and experience that will be key assets to the council in the important economic and workforce development policy work that lies ahead for the state.”

Vermeer was named president and chief strategy officer of UnityPoint Health in 2015, transitioning to CEO this year. Houston is president and CEO of Principal, a role he assumed in 2015.