For the past 20 years, the Business Record has celebrated Forty Under 40. The honor has long recognized up-and-coming business leaders and the powerful impact young professionals make in Greater Des Moines.

Andrea Woodard, Class of 2014
SVP of government and public policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership

What advice would you give to young people who want to make an impact?

Continue learning and strive to be a good listener. Don’t just learn in class, but learn by watching and listening to those you admire. Emulate them as you refine your own style.

What’s one of your accomplishments you are most proud of, and why?

The time period that I am most proud of was following a sibling’s accident. Serving as family spokesperson while handling a new board role and changes at work was one of the most difficult times in my life. Through it, I found I became a stronger leader, better defined my values and found a level of emotional strength I didn’t realize I had.

What’s one of your everyday habits that helps you be successful?

Running. While I don’t run every day, I do run often. I typically run one or two marathons a year, but the true purpose is keeping my sanity. Running allows me time to think during solo runs or seek advice during group runs. It gives me energy and keeps me healthy both physically and mentally.

Class of 2014

• Brett Adams
• Mike Banasiak
• Joe Benesh
• Bjorn Berg
• Daniel Beyer
• Philip Blumberg
• Charley Campbell
• Jennifer Chittenden
• Carrie Clogg
• Michael Dayton
• Tyler De Haan
• Niki DePhillips
• Lincoln Dix
• David Farnsworth
• Kate Gainer
• Jason Giles
• Abbey Gilroy
• Cindy Hughes Anliker
• Christopher James
• Ashley Jared
• Adam Kaduce
• Jason Kiesau
• Andy Lashier
• Jesse Linebaugh
• Brad Magg
• Matthew McKinney
• William J. Miller
• Anne Pham
• Anthony Ranallo
• Wayne Reames
• Jay Reavis
• JC Risewick
• Erin Rollenhagen
• Andrea Stackhouse
• Shane Stark
• Chrystal Tamillo
• Julie Vande Hoef
• Timothy Whipple
• Jason White
• Andrea Woodard