United Way of Central Iowa announced Wednesday that Laura Sweet has been named the organization’s chief advancement officer. Sweet brings more than two decades of nonprofit executive leadership and community engagement experience to the role. 

Sweet joins United Way of Central Iowa after serving as vice president and chief operating officer at Des Moines Performing Arts, where she directed major capital projects and advanced revenue and audience development strategies as well as inclusive cultural initiatives focused on accessibility, safety and community voice, a news release said.

Before joining Des Moines Performing Arts in 2012, Sweet held leadership roles at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul and the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her background includes revenue generation, marketing and communications, team development, and public policy advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. 

Sweet has also been active in community leadership through her service with Nexus Executive Women’s Leadership Organization, the American Red Cross Central Iowa chapter, Children and Families of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. She was a Business Record Woman of Influence in 2023 and has been a national speaker on resilience, leadership and creating safe and secure spaces.  

Sweet earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. 

“Laura brings a strong blend of strategic leadership, operational expertise and deep commitment to our community,” Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa, said in a news release. “Her experience strengthening organizations, engaging donors and building collaborative partnerships will help advance our mission and enhance the impact of United to Thrive.” 

Sweet will begin her new role on Dec. 1. 

“I am honored to join United Way of Central Iowa at such a pivotal time,” Sweet said in the release. “United Way is creating meaningful, measurable change across our community, and I look forward to working with donors, volunteers and partners to strengthen the systems that help individuals and families succeed.”