The Iowa College Foundation has announced the appointment of Tara K. Connolly as president-elect. Connolly will work closely with current president Ed Finn to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continue supporting Iowa’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. She has more than two decades of experience in higher education and philanthropy, most recently serving as executive director of the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation, where she oversaw fundraising efforts, donor engagement and scholarship expansion across the college’s campuses. She has also worked in philanthropy, public service, and civic engagement, including as executive director of development for the MercyOne Des Moines Foundation. “I look forward to working with our Board of Governors and donors to expand ICF’s impact and ensure a strong future for students and Iowa,” Connolly said in a prepared statement. “Investing in students. Preserving choice in higher education. Strengthening Iowa. That’s what this work is all about.” Founded in 1952, ICF represents 22 independent nonprofit colleges and universities across Iowa.