Des Moines leaders often say many of Central Iowa’s successes as a region, from the Global Insurance Accelerator to ICON Water Trails, are the result of close collaboration across organizations and mutual interest in the long-term success and growth of the community.

The region’s recent record pace of leadership change at the executive level — more than 200 transitions since 2024, according to a Business Record review — marks a large-scale transition for individual organizations and the community as a whole, bringing both opportunities and challenges with it.

The Business Record’s last Power Breakfast of 2025 on Oct. 30 will dive into the potential effects of these transitions and outline ways leaders can think about navigating through it.

Panelists include:

• Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International Inc.
• Dr. Adreain Henry, president, Mercy College of Health Sciences
• Kristi Knous, president, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
• Steve Lacy, chairman and CEO (retired), Meredith Corp. (Now People Inc.)
• April Schmaltz, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Iowa

Ahead of the event, we asked the panelists, “What do you believe is one important factor that supports or drives healthy community leadership and collaboration among local leaders?”

Here is what they shared.

Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International 

Collaboration flourishes when leaders are willing to set aside the mindset of “what’s best for my company” and approach community leadership through the lens of “what’s best for all of us.” Decisions made may not maximize short-term gain for any one organization but they create the opportunity for prosperity and long-term interests for the entire region to be met. 

Dr. Adreain Henry, president, Mercy College of Health Sciences

One important factor that supports healthy community leadership and collaboration is a shared sense of purpose grounded in trust and service. Trust enables leaders to rise above individual agendas, align around common goals and act with courage and accountability for the greater good. The spirit of servant leadership creates the trust and unity necessary to address complex challenges and foster hope for the future. At Mercy College of Health Sciences, we support a healthy and collaborative community by leading with compassion, integrity and a readiness to listen — which fosters unity, builds strong relationships and creates the conditions for meaningful, lasting impact.

Kristi Knous, president, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Short answer: trust. And that means taking intentional time to build genuine relationships among leaders. At the end of the day, community leadership is people working together toward a common goal of community betterment. That takes leaders who are willing to bring their authentic selves to the table, take time for respectful and sometimes challenging conversations and intentionality in building trusting relationships. That’s when the magic of collaboration and alignment happens, and real community progress can be made. And it positions us to quickly lock arms and act fast when our community needs us most.

Steve Lacy, chairman and CEO (retired), Meredith Corp.

A shared sense of purpose to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in Central Iowa that is supported by both the private and public sectors.

April Schmaltz, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Iowa

We have a truly special community — one that fosters meaningful relationships among business and community leaders. We offer a wealth of opportunities to connect professionally, personally and within the community. Whether you want to meet with state and federal leaders, have coffee with the CEO of a major corporation or are simply looking for a familiar face at an event — it is all possible here. “Iowa Nice” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a lived experience. Leaders here are collaborative, authentic and committed to making Iowa the best place to live.