2024 Iowa
Hunger Summit

Alexandra Bauman

Navigation & Supportive Services Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Alexandra Bauman is a Registered Dietitian and the Navigation & Supportive Services Director at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Services. She manages the Older Americans Act programs and services for the state of Iowa. She also serves as the Director of the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, a partnership with the Administration for Community Living to enhance and promote Older Americans Act nutrition programs nationwide. Her experience includes initiating innovative programming, acquiring over $6.5 million of discretionary federal grants, and working with partners to elevate the needs of older adults.

Bergetta Beardsley

Vice President of Philanthropy, Food Bank of Iowa

Bergetta Beardsley serves as Vice President of Philanthropy and has been with Food Bank of Iowa since August 2018. Bergetta leads the fundraising, volunteer and marketing teams. Prior to joining Food Bank of Iowa, she was Director of Donor Relations at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and previous to that held nonprofit roles at the MercyOne Foundation and United Way of Central Iowa. Bergetta has a B.A. in Communications from Luther College, and lives in Ankeny. She is married, and has three children, and is excited to become “Grandma” in August!

Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt

Assistant Professor, ISU and Food and Health Specialist ISU

In 2022, Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt joined Iowa State University as an Assistant Professor in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department and a Human Science Extension and Outreach State Specialist in Food and Health. Lyndi’s research and Extension programming focus on evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental change approaches to improve food and nutrition systems that support access to healthy food, sustainable development, and food equity. Lyndi received a BA in Exercise Science from St. Olaf College, a BS in Dietetics from Iowa State University, and a PhD in Nutritional Science from Iowa State University. Outside of Iowa State, Lyndi is the past-chair of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Legislative and Public Policy Committee, and a member of Above and Beyond Cancer board and Iowa ACE’s 360 board.

Ashley Danielson

Nutrition Coordination Director, Nutrition and Aging Resource Center

Ashley Danielson is the Nutrition Coordination Director for the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center. In her role, she supports all partners such as communication and subject matter experts with content that reflects nutrition and aging innovation nationwide. Within this, she provides technical assistance and highlights the work of Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) Grantees. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and psychology, with a minor in entrepreneurial studies from Iowa State University. She completed her dietetic internship through Iowa State University, and is a registered (RDN) and licensed (LD) dietitian. Prior to her time at the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center, she worked as a Corporate Dietitian in the retail world. Ashley loves to organize, cook and stay active by being outside or at the yoga studio. Her perfect day would consist of a long walk early in the morning, a cup of coffee with the sunrise, and spending the rest of her day with her husband and daughters.

Teresa Davis

Owner, West Forty Market

Teresa Davis is the owner of West Forty Market, an all-Iowa meat market located in Ankeny. She was raised in Greene, IA – where her parents still reside and own the small town grocery store. After years of corporate America, Teresa saw a need for the local community to have easier access to Iowa-raised beef, pork, chicken, bison, lamb & turkey year-round. Her store features over 150 cuts of meat sourced 100% from small Iowa farms, including her family farm, as well as grocery products from 30+ small Iowa businesses.

Jared DeVries

Owner, Brothers Market

Jared DeVries grew up on a small farm in Aplington, IA. He and two of his brothers (Jay and Darian) are the owners of Brothers Market. Jared had an illustrious football career for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1999. In 2008, while playing for Detroit, a tornado demolished their local grocery store in Parkersburg, IA, just 6 miles away from their home. With the current owners opting to close the store, Jared and his brothers knew how important it was to have a local grocery store to provide for their community, so they decided to rebuild under the Brothers Market name. From there it continued to grow to what is now 16 locations serving small communities with quality food throughout the Midwest. Jared and his wife Jamie currently reside in Clear Lake, IA.

Ilsa DeWald

Local Food and Farm Manager

Ilsa DeWald works for Johnson County, Iowa as the Local Food and Farm Manager. She oversees the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, a 160-acre farm that provides a public space for connecting to the land and local history through inclusive, community-led opportunities. She provides community and resource connections, collaboration assistance, and other support to farmers, processors, marketers, educators, distributors, and other members of our community-based food system. She supports the Johnson County Food Policy Council with their policy and funding recommendations and public forums related to community food and ag issues. Ilsa also serves on the Steering Committee, Partnership Committee, and Local Food Policy Network Team of the Iowa Food System Coalition. Before joining Johnson County in May 2018, Ilsa worked at North Liberty Community Pantry as the Garden and Volunteer Coordinator.

Shannon Draayer

Executive Director, WesleyLife

Shannon Draayer serves as Executive Director of Community Nutrition for WesleyLife. Shannon has expertise in community health transformations, having worked for a policy consulting firm and for Blue Zones Project, a community health initiative prior to joining WesleyLife. In her role with WesleyLife, Shannon leads the Non Profit’s focus on nutrition and combatting food insecurity, including the meal program serving nearly 2,000 individuals each day. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Journalism and Political Science and a Masters of Communications Leadership from Drake University. In 2024 Shannon was recognized as one of the Des Moines Business Record’s 40 Under 40 Business Leaders. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband, Adam, and two boys.

Luke Elzinga

Policy & Advocacy Manager, DMARC Food Pantry Network

Luke Elzinga is the policy and advocacy manager at the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network, which last year assisted over 65,000 people facing food insecurity in Greater Des Moines. Luke is the current board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, and serves on the Iowa Food System Coalition’s Local Food Policy Network priority team, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Iowans Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Work Group, and the national leadership team for Closing the Hunger Gap. He recently completed his Master of Public Policy through the University of Northern Iowa. Luke lives in Des Moines with his partner, child, two cats, and dog.

Kelly Garcia

Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Praised for transformative leadership, Kelly Kennedy Garcia serves as the Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Garcia to oversee the state’s social services agency in November 2019. She was unanimously confirmed by the Iowa Senate on February 26, 2020. Later that year, Garcia was asked to serve as interim public health Director. As a dual director, Garcia led the agency’s pandemic response, while shepherding consolidation to a single health and human services structure.

Two years later, Kelly leads Iowa’s largest agency, with a commitment to transparency and accountability. The key to this success is building strong teams, transforming the agency’s business processes and driving home on a human-centered strategic vision. 

Before moving to the Hawkeye state, Garcia led improvements in organizational structure, program management, and policy development in the great state of Texas, including serving in several executive positions at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Garcia has more than 20 years of experience in program evaluation and budget, planning and policy development.

Garcia is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and received her MPA from The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She was a member of the Governor’s Executive Development Program sponsored by the LBJ School of Public Affairs and has been acknowledged as a distinguished alumnus. She is married to attorney Dan Garcia, and they have two children.

Ray Gaesser

Farmer and Conservation Advocate / Owner, Gaesser Farms / Solutions From The Land

Ray was born on a small farm in southern Indiana, where he grew up to love agriculture. At the age of 25 he married  Elaine  on November 19,1977, two weeks later they moved to southwest  Iowa to begin their life and farm. They have two adult children Jennifer and Christopher. Through the years they grew their farm to more than 5,000 acres, always mindful of the responsibility to “care for the land”.

Today Ray is “semi retired” from the farm operation with responsibility for about 500 acres and helping son Chris as needed. The transition of the farm was a reasoned, planned event that transpired beginning in 2009 with Chris and his wife Shannon who now manage 90% of the entire farm operations.

The farm has a soybean/ corn rotation plus now approximately 300 acres or rye for harvest to be used for cover crop needs on the farm, with additional rye sales to area farmers for their cover crop needs and we are the sole supplier of Rye to nearby Revelton Distillery.

Conserving and enhancing the land has been the focus for 46+ years as terraces,turn areas and waterways were constructed. After several years of testing the farm was transitioned to 100% no-till in 1991 and now nearly 80 % of the fields are protected and enhanced  with cover crops.

Tim Getty

Regional Nutrition Services Coordinator, Heritage Area Agency on Aging

Tim Getty is the Regional Nutrition Services Coordinator for Heritage Area Agency on Aging and is responsible for the coordination of nutrition related services for older adults such as on-site dining, Meals on Wheels, and Nutrition Counseling for seven counties in eastern Iowa. In his 11 years at Heritage, the Nutrition Program has received various forms of national recognition: Innovations and Achievement Awards through the National Area Agencies on Aging Association, Certificate in Leadership and Nutrition through Meals on Wheels America, and several large grants through national organizations and corporations. Tim holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and assists other local non-profits in Advisory Committee and Board of Directors capacities.

Tommy Hexter

Rural Organizer and Educator, Iowa Farmers Union

Tommy works for Iowa Farmers Union as a rural organizer representing family farmers in state and national politics. In that role, he is co-chair of the Local Food Policy Network for the Iowa Food System Coalition. He also serves as the director of Grinnell Farm To Table, a local food business that connects over 35 local farmers with consumers in Poweshiek and Tama County and provides food access to 8 community food pantries in the area.

Bob Howard

Marketing Director, Country View Dairy

Country View Dairy specializes in dairy products including sour cream, cream, yogurt and premium frozen yogurt made from the freshest possible high quality Grade A pasteurized all natural non-homogenized milk from their herd of happy and healthy Holsteins and Jersey cows all happening right on the farm. Country View Dairy has worked with several food banks in Iowa to supply them with fresh dairy products at a reduced rate so that they do not have to depend on receiving donations of products that are almost expired.

Becca Huber

Food Sourcing Manager, Northeast Iowa Food Bank

Becca Huber is the Food Sourcing Manager at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. She has been at the food bank for four years sourcing donated, purchased and USDA commodities products both locally and nationally to retain food in the food bank. One of her favorite ways of procuring food is working with producers or farmers in our back yard, keeping that local connection is so vital for the food system. With the assistance of Alliant Energy, the NEFIB and River Bend Food Bank have been able to take that procurement one step further with working with farmers who have livestock and production planning for more protein in pantries.

Eugenia M. Kendall

Strategic Planning and Assessment Coordinator, Iowa HHS Division of Aging and Disability Services

Eugenia Kendall has her Masters of Social Work Degree from St. Ambrose University and has been working with the Iowa HHS Division of Aging and Disability Services for almost three years. She previously worked at an Area Agency on Aging for seven years as a part of their leadership team. Prior to that, she worked at a United Way for 13 years as a community building manager. In her current position as, Strategic Planning and Assessment Coordinator, she leads the development process for the State Plan on Aging, coordinates the review process for Area Plan development and is also the project manager for developing Iowa’s first Multisector Plan for Aging.

Jill Lange

Nutrition and Physical Activity Administrator, Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity

Jill Lange, MPH, RD, LD is the Nutrition and Physical Activity Administrator with the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The primary programs and projects at the Bureau include the Iowa Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), SNAP-Education (SNAP-Ed), and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!. As a whole, the bureau implements healthy eating and active living projects across Iowa and across the lifespan. Jill has worked at the Department for 17 years including 9 years with the state WIC office in various roles including the State Nutrition Education Coordinator and State WIC Director. Prior to coming to the department, Jill worked as a dietitian at county based hospitals and nursing homes in Iowa. Jill loves being a lifelong Iowan and is a graduate of Iowa State University and Des Moines University. Jill and her husband, Al, live in Winterset and love being outdoors and spending time with their dogs Lucy Lou and Daisy May.

Brian Lohse

Owner, Brick Street Cafe and Brick House Fitness

Brian is the former owner of Brick Street Market in Bondurant and currently owns Brick Street Cafe and Brick House Fitness. Prior to his election to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2018, he served on the Bondurant City Council for nearly 10 years. In the Iowa House, he serves as chair of the Justice Systems Budget subcommittee and on the Commerce, Judiciary, Health and Human Services and Appropriations committees.

Luke Lynch

Senior Community Engagement Officer, United Way of Central Iowa

Luke serves as the Senior Community Engagement Officer at United Way of Central Iowa, where he helps convene community coalitions around issues such as food, housing, transportation, re-entry, and youth gun violence. Luke also participates in coalitions convened by local government and nonprofit organizations, including the City of Des Moines’ Food Security Task Force, Community Land Trust Advisory Committee, and Pleasant Hill’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Beyond these coalitions, Luke oversees United Way’s decades-long relationship with the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

Prior to his time at United Way, Luke served as the director of development at the Iowa Coalition against Domestic Violence and in various roles in the Washington, D.C. and Dubuque offices of Senator Tom Harkin. 

Will McIntee

Director of Strategic Engagement, The White House

Will McIntee serves as Director of Strategic Engagement at The White House and manages rural, agriculture, food, nutrition, and athletics engagement. In this role he led public engagement for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that President Biden hosted in September 2022 bringing communities across the country together to address hunger and diet-related disease, and has led engagement for the White House as they implement the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition ,and Health. Will is a native of Waterloo, Iowa, and is a proud graduate of Loras College in Dubuque.

Grant Menke

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig appointed Grant Menke as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in January 2023 where he is responsible for the operations of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, focusing on policy, budget, and personnel. Prior to joining the Department, Menke served as Vice President of Market Development for the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board, State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Policy Director for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and held a position on the United States Senate Finance Committee staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.

Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Mike Naig grew up on a family farm in the northwest corner of the state near Cylinder, Iowa and he continues to be involved in the operation today. Mike is a graduate of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake with degrees in biology and political science. He and his wife Jaime have three boys. Mike was elected as the 15th Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in November 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. As Secretary, he is committed to lead efforts to expand economic opportunities for Iowans and is an advocate on behalf of the hard-working men and women who keep us fed and fueled.

Jessica Nelsen

Health and Well-Being and Essential Needs Officer, United Way of Central Iowa

Jessica Nelsen believes that human connection and creating a sense of belonging for all is the key to living a fulfilled and purposeful life. Jessica has had the pleasure of working alongside some of our communities’ biggest change makers and champions and has seen firsthand, the lasting impacts of curious. As a graduate of Drake Universities’ Masters of Public Administration program and with over ten years of experience as a nonprofit leader, she is passionate about creating systemic change and connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.

Gretchen Nollman

Food Sourcing Manager, River Bend Food Bank

After finishing college, Gretchen worked for multiple different agriculture companies where she traveled/lived in Central and South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa before spending the majority of her career in south-central Illinois. Gretchen relocated to southeast Iowa in January of 2014, where she worked in agriculture for another 9 years, having a career for 18 years in agriculture. Gretchen transitioned her career to leave agriculture and go into the non-profit sector and step into the Food Sourcing Manager role at River Bend Food Bank in June of 2023. There, Gretchen is in charge of sourcing food by strategically purchasing and coordinating food donations from local farmers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and the government. Gretchen works strategically to cultivate and grow relationships that will help combat and fight food insecurity while sourcing for food from local farmers, retail, wholesale, donated, and government food supplies. Her big focus is being able to provide food to those that are food insecure with a particular focus on increasing donated food through industry relationships so that partners of River Bend Food Bank can better serve those in need. Don’t let Gretchen kid you though, she didn’t get out of agriculture completely, she currently lives on a farm in Atalissa, IA, just outside of Muscatine in the country, where she helps raise a cow/calf operation for club calves to sell and show as well as replacement heifers. 

Melissa O’Neil

Chief Executive Officer, Central Iowa Shelter & Services

Melissa O’Neil has been the Chief Executive Officer of Central Iowa Shelter & Services since February, 2016. Prior to her position with CISS, Melissa worked at IJAG as Vice President. She has consistently served in leadership roles including Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for three years and Graduate Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for two years. She leads with passion and purpose. Melissa has volunteered her time and talent with Christ the King Girls Basketball team, Indianola Tribe Soccer and United Way of Central Iowa. She received her Bachelors in Communication from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and her Masters in Advertising from Syracuse University in 2003. Melissa resides in Indianola with her husband – Jeremy, daughter – Katie, son – Patrick, and puppy Aspen.

Chris Purdue

Customer Business Manager, Hormel Foods

As Customer Business Manager for the North Central District, Chris Purdue is responsible driving growth with Hy-Vee on all Hormel Branded Products. Purdue began his career with Hormel Foods in 2009 as a Production Supervisor in Fremont, NE. After several years in Operations, he transferred to the Supply Chain team at Hormel’s World Headquarters. In 2012, Purdue transitioned to a career in sales holding multiple Front Line & Analytics sales positions in Dallas, TX. After several years in TX, he relocated to Orlando, FL to take on a Management role in Sales Strategy. In 2018, Purdue moved to Des Moines, IA and assumed his current role helping drive six consecutive years of record sales with Hy-Vee.

Emmaly F. Renshaw

Executive Director, Feed Iowa First

Emmaly, Executive Director of Feed Iowa First, brings a multifaceted skill set and deep expertise to the organization. With a keen understanding of the complexities within the food landscape, she actively addresses barriers to food access for marginalized communities, identifies gaps in culturally relevant food offerings, and advocates for effective urban agricultural policies. She plays a vital role in facilitating land access initiatives in Eastern. Before her tenure at Feed Iowa First, Emmaly managed a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program and was certified as a DPP Behavioral Change Coach. This background underscores her nuanced understanding of the relationship between food access, diet-related illnesses, and the importance of integrating food education. Emmaly’s leadership extends to various councils and coalitions, where she serves on the Linn County Food Systems Council (chair), Linn County Extension Council (chair), Linn County Diabetes Coalition, Iowa Land Access Working Group, Nonprofit Advisory Council, IDPH Healthy Iowans HEAL Workgroup, and the Iowa Urban Agriculture Leadership Team.

Kelly Ridenour Giurato

Regional Coordinator, SILT

As Cedar Rapids Regional Coordinator, Kelly Ridenour-Giurato blends diverse experience with deep community commitment. Overcoming challenges early in life, she transitioned from finance to the nonprofit sector, notably aiding Iowa Veterans. At Eat Greater Des Moines, Kelly directed the USDA-funded Regional Food Systems Partnership grant, showcasing strategic prowess and fostering organizational stability through turbulent times. With a comprehensive education spanning Business to Conservation Science and a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University, she’s well rounded and adept at navigating the complexities of this nuanced work. At SILT, she serves not just as a Regional Coordinator but as a catalyst for change. Leveraging her insights, communication skills, and unwavering passion, she works to advance SILT’s mission of securing and preserving farmland for sustainable food production, while fostering equitable land access for future generations in Iowa. Engaged beyond her role, Kelly sits on the Linn County Food System Council and supports the Iowa Food Systems Coalition as an active participant.

Shaffer Ridgeway

Farmer

Shaffer Ridgeway, a resident of Waterloo, grew up in Alabama on a small cow/calf operation owned by his father. He attended college at Alabama A&M University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. After college, he started his career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as an intern in 1998. He has served in many positions, including Soil Conservationist, Black Special Emphasis Program Manager, and District Conservationist. He has been the District Conservationist in Waterloo, IA (Black Hawk County) for the past 20 years.

Emily Roberts

Program Manager, Field to Family

Emily Roberts is the Program Manager at Field to Family, a nonprofit organization that increases access to and education around healthy and local food. She has managed the day-to-day operations of its food hub programs and provides guidance and support to school nutrition directors, food pantry staff, chefs and others about incorporating seasonal and local foods into their menus. Whether she’s administering grants for local food, coordinating an event, or piloting a project for an online market satellite location – she’s guided by her belief that sustainable, healthy food is a right for everyone. As of the end of 2023, Field to Family had facilitated nearly 2 million in local food purchases from over 130 producers.

Sami Scheetz

State Representative, Iowa House of Representatives

Sami was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The son of an immigrant teacher and a lawyer, Sami learned from a young age the value of a good education, workers’ rights, and helping one’s own community.

Sami graduated from George Washington High School, a public school in Cedar Rapids, where he pursued his love for swimming and became president of the study body. Inspired into community organizing and public service by President Barack Obama, Sami has been organizing and working to get Democrats elected across Iowa for over a decade.

After high school, Sami attended Georgetown University on a scholarship during which he lived abroad in Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, where he worked for the State Department.

Following graduation, he immediately returned to Cedar Rapids to work to rebuild the Democratic Party and elect progressives to office across this state. He was first elected to the State Legislature in 2022. Sami is a member and union organizer for Teamsters Local 238 in Cedar Rapids, working every day to improve the lives of working Iowans.

Chris Schwartz

Executive Director, Iowa Food System Coalition, Black Hawk County Supervisor

Chris Schwartz was born and raised in Dubuque before moving to Cedar Falls/Waterloo to study music and political science at the University of Northern Iowa. Chris is a well-known community activist and organizer in the Cedar Valley and an outspoken advocate for those he feels are left behind by current systems and has worked for a variety of social justice organizations including 18 years with Elanore Roosevelt’s Americans for Democratic Action. In 2016 Chris was elected to the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors and is now in his second term and is the current board chair. As County Supervisor Chris has been a leader on public health, renewable energy, conservation, infrastructure, and water quality. In 2021 Chris lost his husband Logun Buckley to suicide, he does this work as part of his healing journey. When he is not engaged in food systems work or public service, he can be found maintaining his gardens which are often featured on tours and playing bass and theremin with his rock band The Harmony Electric.

Felicia D. Smith-Nalls

Community Relations Programs Manager, Tyson Foods

Felicia Smith-Nalls is a native of Waterloo, Iowa, a graduate of Wartburg College and the University of Iowa College of Law. Felicia is the Community Relations Program Manager for Tyson Foods. Felicia is also the Artistic and Festival Director for the North End Cultural Center and is active on various boards and committees including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Felicia enjoys time with her husband Kal and her two children Jaymes and AJ. In her “free” time she enjoys performing as the vocalist in HartSmith, and The Cedar Valley Big Band. Felicia is passionate about serving her community and providing opportunities to populations that are underserved.

Patty Sneddon-Kisting

Executive Director , Urbandale Food Pantry

Patty Sneddon Kisting is the Executive Director of the Urbandale Food Pantry and has her MPA in Nonprofit Governance + Health & Human Service. Patty has led her organization during unprecedented times with a passion and dedication to helping our most vulnerable populations. Her authentic leadership style and ability to rise to challenges instills confidence in others, inspiring them to rise to the occasion, too. She seeks avenues to increase collaborations and partnerships, enhance advocacy efforts, identifies challenges to work through, and invites people to the table. She leads with humanity and vulnerability, is a stranger to none, and no task is unachievable. 

Patty has been highlighted on platforms such as the Washington Post, Des Moines Register, Axios, and Business Record. She was in the 2022 class of the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40, 2021 graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute – Community Leadership Program, and a speaker for the 2022 Business Record’s Fearless Women event. She serves on the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse, is the co-chair for United Way OpportUNITY Food Insecurity work group, and volunteers with a variety of local organizations. Patty lives in Grimes, Iowa, with her wife and four children. 

Ivy Sprague

Director of Strategic Communications, Hyvee Inc.

Ivy A. Sprague is the director of strategic communications for Hy-Vee, Inc. and has more than two decades of marketing and communications experience. She’s worked in communications roles in agriculture, healthcare, financial services, retail, and marketing agencies, and often says that if you can think of a topic she’s likely written about it! She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Northern Iowa, and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Ivy has earned the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation and was named one of 2022’s Top Women in Communications by Ragan and PR Daily. When she’s not pounding on her keyboard, she’s chasing a deadlift PR, knitting sweaters, or watching her two nieces dominate the 4-H show ring.

Jacob Wanderscheid

Executive Director, Food Bank of Siouxland

Jacob has served as the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Siouxland since 2020. He has worked for the Food Bank for nearly 11 years. In his career at the Food Bank, Jacob has held many roles from Agency Relations to Transportation and Logistics. He has seen the Food Bank expand distribution from 1.6 million pounds to just over 3.5 million pounds of food distributed. Jacob is a Treasurer of the Iowa Food Bank Association and an active member of Rotary. He works in partnership with the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. Further, the Food Bank works with over 100 agency partners and twice as many food donors. He attended Augustana University for a B.A. in History and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Hamline University.