Focused Leadership. Forward Momentum

It’s a true honor to serve as the 2025 chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of business leaders across the state, all committed to making Iowa the best place to live and do business.

As someone who has spent the last 20 years of my career in manufacturing and operations — and now in leadership at General Mills — I understand firsthand the importance of strong, sustained partnerships between Iowa businesses and the communities we serve. That’s what ABI does best: convenes leaders, champions business, and helps drive meaningful progress.

I want to thank outgoing Chair Chad Reece for his outstanding leadership and contributions. His work has set the stage for another productive and impactful year at ABI.

This month’s cover story offers a timely look at how Iowa executives are navigating today’s most pressing challenges — workforce constraints, economic uncertainty, and accelerating technology adoption. The perspectives you’ll read, along with data from ABI’s recent member survey, provide a helpful preview of the deeper discussions that will shape ABI’s upcoming Executive Forum in August in Clear Lake.

Looking ahead, focus will remain on the issues that matter most to members: workforce, economic growth, innovation, and strong advocacy. Through ABI’s statewide programming, public policy work, and member engagement, we’ll continue to elevate Iowa’s business climate — together.

As chair, I look forward to supporting this work in ways that are authentic to my role and grounded in the expertise I bring. I will remain a committed advocate for ABI’s mission and its members.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m proud to represent ABI and excited for the year ahead. ABI