Each year, the Business Record honors a member of a previous Forty Under 40 class to recognize that person’s contributions since being named a Forty. This year, that alum is Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa.

Russell was a member of the 2006 Forty Under 40 class. He has been the top executive at Delta Dental since 2013. In that time, Delta Dental’s revenue has increased by more than $100 million and the company has nearly doubled its staff. The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation under his leadership has supported programs across the state, including funding for dental sealants for Iowa students at schools that have 50 percent or more getting free or reduced-price lunch and providing 1.5 million toothbrushes in 99 counties.

In addition to his professional roles, Russell has given his time to different area organizations such as the Global Insurance Accelerator, Rotary Club of Des Moines A.M., Habitat for Humanity, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, United Way and Capital Crossroads 2.0 Committee. 

Delta Dental has been been the leading dental insurer in Iowa for the last 20 years.