Reaching Higher Iowa announces board members
BUSINESS RECORD STAFF Feb 12, 2016 | 8:37 pm
2 min read time
405 wordsAll Latest News, Arts and Culture, EducationReaching Higher Iowa, a nonprofit committed to improving the effectiveness of the state’s educational system to provide opportunities for every child and family, has announced its board of directors. The directors consist of business and community leaders who are committed to improving educational outcomes for all of Iowa’s K-12 students. The Reaching Higher Iowa board now includes:
- Pat Baird, retired CEO, AEGON (Transamerica), and treasurer of The Zach Johnson Foundation; Cedar Rapids.
- John Butler, executive chairman, Cottingham & Butler, and past chair of Iowa Association of Business and Industry; Dubuque.
- Allison Fleming, former chair, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and child advocate; Des Moines.
- N. Brian Gentry, senior counsel, Consumer Lending and Corporate Regulatory Division, Wells Fargo & Co., and former member of the Iowa State Board of Education; Des Moines.
- Kelli Grubbs, founder, Victory Enterprises Inc., and chair of Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce; Davenport.
- Dan Houston, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group Inc., and member, Iowa Business Council; Des Moines.
- Mark Jacobs, founder and president, Reaching Higher Iowa, and retired CEO, Reliant Energy; West Des Moines.
- Sheila Laing, executive vice president, Hy-Vee Inc., and former Chariton CSD board member; Chariton.
- Ben McLean, president and CEO, Ruan Transportation Management Systems Inc., and vice chair, Iowa Business Council; Des Moines.
- Dave Miles, chairman and principal owner, Miles Capital Inc., and former chair of the Iowa Board of Regents; West Des Moines.
- Daryl Schraad, president of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – North America; Des Moines.
- Tom Urban, retired CEO, Pioneer Hybrid International Inc., and former mayor of Des Moines; Des Moines.
- Connie Wimer, chairwoman, Business Publications Corp. Inc.; Des Moines.
- Charese Yanney, managing partner, Guarantee Roofing, Siding and Insulation Co., and past chair of Iowa Association of Business and Industry; Sioux City.
“I’m grateful to have the committed support of these Iowa leaders who recognize the importance of restoring a leadership position in K-12 education in Iowa to drive long-term economic growth,” said Reaching Higher Iowa founder and President Mark Jacobs. “As the collective voice of business and community leaders, we look forward to working collaboratively with other stakeholders on policy changes that will lead to better educational outcomes for Iowa’s children.”
Formed in 2013, Reaching Higher Iowa is focused on raising public awareness and advocating on four key areas of policy change: effectively measuring and reporting student progress data; providing access to high-quality nonprofit public charter schools; supporting educators with professional development at all levels; and attracting and retaining high-quality people to the education field.