Strengthening the Legacy of Greater Des Moines
Meeting a Moment of Leadership Transition
Greater Des Moines is experiencing a significant leadership shift. Longtime CEOs are retiring, and a new generation of leaders is stepping into roles that carry both organizational and civic responsibility.
Today’s CEOs face increasing complexity: evolving markets, heightened expectations of leadership, talent pressures, and the need to balance performance with long-term community impact. Despite this, there has been no dedicated, Greater Des Moines–specific forum designed to support CEOs as they step into this responsibility with clarity, confidence, and connection.
As community connectors, we see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to help fill this gap for the long-term benefit of the region.
Welcome to the next chapter of leadership in Greater Des Moines.
"Leadership here has always meant more than a title. It's a calling to serve both enterprise and community."
Connie Wimer, founder, Business Publications Corporation
An Experience Designed for Greater Des Moines CEOs
The Opportunity
The Greater Des Moines CEO Master Class exists to invest in that legacy by supporting the leaders who guide our organizations, develop our people, and shape the future of our economy. It is a deliberate commitment to strengthening leadership today so Greater Des Moines continues to thrive tomorrow.
The CEO Master Class is an executive experience designed for new, emerging CEOs, and senior executive leaders who want to lead well, lead wisely and lead in relationship with the community around them.
Six focused sessions combine peer learning and mentorship from experienced current and retired Greater Des Moines executives. It centers on principled leadership, operational clarity, people-first decision-making, and community-minded stewardship, grounded in the realities of leading in this region.
It centers on principled leadership, operational clarity, people-first decision-making, and community-minded stewardship, grounded in the realities of leading in this region.
Participants engage alongside peers who share a commitment to building strong organizations while contributing meaningfully to the future of Greater Des Moines.
"The power of this journey comes from building connections and strengthening regional collaboration.
When CEOs come together with shared purpose, we advance our organizations, spark peer learning and gain insight from the legendary leaders who continue to shape the greater Des Moines region."
Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Why this matters?
Trusted Partners, Shared Purpose
This initiative is guided by partners deeply invested in the region’s success:
Business Publications Corporation serves as the connector and facilitator, leveraging its longstanding role as a trusted convener of business and civic leadership.
Story Board Advisors bring experienced leadership facilitation grounded in real-world CEO perspective and practice.
Greater Des Moines Partnership provides mission alignment and a regional lens rooted in economic and community development.
Together, these partners ensure the experience is credible, grounded, and distinctly Greater Des Moines.
Strong CEOs build strong organizations. Strong organizations build strong communities.
When leaders grow in clarity, confidence, and perspective, the impact extends beyond their companies to employees, customers, and the broader region. This initiative continues Greater Des Moines’ tradition of collaboration and shared stewardship, reinforcing the belief that leadership is not only a role, but a responsibility.
The CEO Master Class helps ensure Greater Des Moines remains a premier destination for leaders who want to lead well, do good, and build something that lasts.
It is a community investment in the people who will shape the region’s future and carry its legacy forward.
SESSIONS START IN FEBRUARY
"This is where Central Iowa's newest CEOs come together, not just to lead their companies, but to lead their community."
Suzanna de Baca, founder, Story Board Advisors
Contact
For questions or for more information, please contact:
Stacey Thompson
Sr. Director, Event Strategy & Experience, Business Publications Corporation
Email: staceythompson@bpcdm.com