Pederson to lead ArtForceIowa

Cyndi Pederson, former director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, has been named executive director of ArtForceIowa, an organization that provides targeted arts programs for court-involved and at-risk youth in Des Moines.


	Cyndi Pederson

Cyndi Pederson, former director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, has been named executive director of ArtForceIowa, an organization that provides targeted arts programs for court-involved and at-risk youth in Des Moines.

A native of Des Moines and passionate supporter of the arts, Pederson has spent much of her professional life working on creative solutions to improve the quality of life for Iowans. She has been the chief operating officer of the Des Moines Social Club since January 2014.

“I am excited for this new opportunity with ArtForceIowa, and I look forward to working with the team to continue the incredible work ArtForceIowa contributes to the community,” Pederson said. She succeeds John Mark Feilmeyer, who has accepted a position with myAgro, an agricultural development nonprofit in Bamako, Mali.

While director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs from 2006 to 2011, Pederson managed a staff of 91 employees and was the lead legislative liaison for the department. During the past three years at the Des Moines Social Club, Pederson was responsible for establishing operations as the organization grew into the renovated firehouse.

In her role as executive director of ArtForceIowa, Pederson will oversee the organization’s mission “to transform youth in need through art” with a suite of innovative arts-based programs.

Friends and supporters of ArtForceIowa are welcome to join Pederson, Feilmeyer, staff and youth at the Music Showcase on Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at ArtForceIowa, 600 Holcomb Ave. No. 3, in Des Moines.


	Cyndi Pederson

Cyndi Pederson, former director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, has been named executive director ofArtForceIowa, an organization that provides targeted arts programs for court-involved and at-risk youth in Des Moines.

A native of Des Moines and passionate supporter of the arts, Pederson has spent much of her professional life working on creative solutions to improve the quality of life for Iowans. She has been the chief operating officer of the Des Moines Social Club since January 2014.

“I am excited for this new opportunity with ArtForceIowa, and I look forward to working with the team to continue the incredible work ArtForceIowa contributes to the community,” Pederson said. She succeeds John Mark Feilmeyer, who has accepted a position with myAgro, an agricultural development nonprofit in Bamako, Mali.

While director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs from 2006 to 2011, Pederson managed a staff of 91 employees and was the lead legislative liaison for the department. During the past three years at the Des Moines Social Club, Pederson was responsible for establishing operations as the organization grew into the renovated firehouse.

In her role as executive director of ArtForceIowa, Pederson will oversee the organization’s mission “to transform youth in need through art” with a suite of innovative arts-based programs.

Friends and supporters of ArtForceIowa are welcome to join Pederson, Feilmeyer, staff and youth at the Music Showcase on Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at ArtForceIowa, 600 Holcomb Ave. No. 3, in Des Moines.

Search