Pete De Kock, an Iowa native and Grinnell College graduate, will be the new executive director for the Des Moines Social Club.

De Kock, pronounced De Cook, has been vice president of operations and communications for Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago. He replaces Zachary Mannheimer, who was instrumental in creating and launching the Social Club over the past eight years.

De Kock starts his new job Nov. 30, and will work closely with Mannheimer who remains at the Des Moines Social Club until Dec. 31.

 

“Pete is the right person to build on the club’s success and further establish the organization as a pillar in the arts community,” said Mannheimer. “I also feel the passion and dedication of our staff and board provides Pete the foundation needed for success as the organization looks to continue a period of unprecedented growth.”

“I’m excited to join the (Des Moines Social Club) leadership team and continue the advancement of our mission to create unprecedented community engagement through the arts,” said De Kock, who will move to Des Moines with his wife, Jen, and two sons.  

De Kock, who has a graduate degree from Harvard University, has been working for a Chicago organization that trains college students across the country in the principles of interfaith leadership to help millions of people around the world. The group has partnered with various groups, including the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, the White House, and the Office of Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan.

The Social Club seeks to be an innovative arts and entertainment venue that provides a home for local artists, offers unique programming spanning all arts disciplines, and brings people of every age and background together under one roof. It also seeks to use the arts as a catalyst to create unprecedented community engagement.

“We had applicants from all across the country apply for this position, all of them incredibly talented,” adds Chad Cox, chairman of the transition committee. “We believe Pete’s ability to think strategically, along with his financial acumen and team-building approach, are the perfect complement to an already solid leadership team.”

The Des Moines Social Club will celebrate Mannheimer’s tenure with the organization at The Bash, an annual New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31. Reservations are accepted for The Bash online.

Des Moines Social Club supporter Fred Hubbell notes, “What Zack has accomplished during his time as executive director of Des Moines Social Club is absolutely amazing. Pete, as the new executive director, provides the leadership that will allow the organization to thrive and remain vital for years to come.”