The Greater Des Moines Partnership has named Jenae Sikkink as its senior vice president of talent development. She will lead the Partnership’s efforts to attract and retain talent in the Greater Des Moines region and help build the region’s talent pipeline. Sikkink begins her role on Sept. 26. She has held multiple positions at Central College, most recently as director of external engagement and as digital promotion director before that. Other previous roles include account executive for Redwave Digital, executive administrative assistant to the family office for Kum & Go, and deputy communications director and scheduler to then-Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Jenae brings a wide range of experience in higher education, economic development and workforce initiatives through her professional and volunteer roles,” said Jay Byers, president and CEO of the Partnership. “Her leadership will be instrumental in driving our talent initiatives including the Future Ready DSM goal of helping our region’s talent pool gain the education they need to be successful, and helping showcase DSM USA as one of the most attractive places to live and work in the country.” Sikkink’s community involvement includes serving as co-chair of the Five Year Strategic Plan Refresh for the Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance (PACE Alliance), a founding member for the PACE Alliance’s Pella Talent Pipeline Initiative and a policy chair for the PACE Alliance’s Economic Development Council. She serves on the boards of Variety — the Children’s Charity, the Iowa Energy Center Board and on the executive committee for Gov. Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. Sikkink graduated from Central College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies.