Joe Murphy is leaving the Greater Des Moines Partnership to become executive director of the Iowa Business Council. Murphy, the Partnership’s senior vice president of government relations and public policy, will replace Georgia Van Gundy, who joined Hy-Vee. Murphy, who has lobbied for the Partnership, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UNI and an MPA from Drake University. “Our members, with Georgia’s leadership, have spent the last three years focusing our efforts on high-level initiatives that create solutions to address our workforce challenges, strengthen Iowa’s economic climate and build stronger relationships between business and education,” said IBC board Chairwoman Mary Andringa. “We have strategically differentiated our work to be a catalyst for public and private partnerships that will elevate Iowa’s economy. We are confident with over 10 years of legislative experience as well as a wealth of connections with higher education, economic development and state government, Joe will continue the momentum and impact of our work.”