How does criminal justice fit into the mix?

I always wanted to be in the FBI. It still interests me, but I obviously took a different path. I’m a certified financial planner. I work for an independent firm – Legacy Financial Group. Our mission is to inspire our clients to create the life they want on their terms. We do that through education, workshops and wealth management. I’ve been there about five years but have been a financial adviser since I graduated.

Why did you first get involved with YPC?

I first got involved with YPC about three years ago. I tested it out by going to some committee meetings and events to see what it’s about, and I found my niche in the marketing committee. I ended up joining for the same reasons most people join: networking, to meet new people and to do new things.

How did you work your way up to become the organization’s president?

I got heavily involved with the marketing committee. I’m the type to always look for a way to get involved more – it’s just my personality to always be looking for the next level, so I ran for marketing chair. The marketing committee is primarily a backbone; it supports all of the other committees through graphics, fliers, press releases, to promote whatever the organization is doing. I served as marketing chair in 2010, and during that time, it grew to be one of the biggest and strongest committees, and we put in place a lot of new initiatives. One of my favorites is the new member program: There are two meetings every month. It’s an informal, non-threatening way to learn more about YPC, the different committees and the different events.

You can serve two-year terms as a committee chair, but I decided that I wanted to run for president – that’s a three-year commitment. You serve one year as president-elect, one year as president and one year as past-president. I’m very passionate about YPC and wanted to lead the charge to help it grow.

What are some goals you have for next year?

I see my role as being twofold: The first part is representing the organization and being the face of the group. But the second and more important role is supporting the board members. I want to help them accomplish everything they set out to achieve, and motivate and encourage them.

Also, Forbes magazine just named Des Moines the top place for young professionals, and it’s our job to prove it was absolutely right. I want to inspire every member to create a lasting impact. I want people to walk away and either have learned something new, experienced something new or met someone new.

YPC’s core mission is to attract and retain young professionals, and that has to start even before they graduate from college. We want them to get involved right out of college and to get involved as quickly as possible. The nice thing about YPC is that you have the option to get involved as much as you want, whether that’s attending a social event every couple of months or being on a board. We really just want to give people the widest view of what Des Moines has to offer, so that whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find it.

How do you view your role as the representative of local young professionals?

That’s one of the most important roles I serve – to be the voice of the organization. YPC is going into its 12th year, and it’s really skyrocketed. I’m making sure that we are continually headed forward and gaining momentum to become the premier young professional organization not just in Central Iowa and not just in the Midwest, but in the nation. To do that, I have to make sure our voice is heard, because young professionals are the future of Des Moines.

What has been your favorite among YPC events that you have attended?

I have two favorite things. The first is the new member meeting. It’s just great to sit in a small group and answer questions and see new members realize that YPC can be whatever they want it to be. I also love all the social events.