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jay byers

Class of 2006
CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

What’s one issue you’re very passionate about?

The Central Iowa Water Trails plan is the most transformational quality of life project of our generation in our region. Activating 150 miles of waterways and creating a best-in-class quality of life amenity will play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent, driving economic development, growing tourism and ultimately helping clean up our water. Through public, private and nonprofit partnerships, this exciting project has already racked up some big early wins and continues to gain strong momentum. Let’s get it done!

What’s one of your everyday habits that helps you be successful?

I love to read. Warren Buffett estimates he spends up to 80% of every working day reading and credits much of his success to his reading habit. While I definitely don’t read that much, I read multiple newspapers every day, multiple trade publications on a regular basis, and on average at least two books every month. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

What advice would you give to young people who want to make an impact?

Pick one or two organizations or projects that you are passionate about and get involved at a deeper level. Demonstrate to other community leaders that you have good ideas and vision, are willing to work hard, collaborate effectively with others, can lead a project to completion and are able to achieve positive results. Make it a practice to under-promise and over-deliver. Don’t overextend yourself and get involved in too many things just to build your resume.

 

Class of 2006

Paul Bishop

Brian Bocken

Brennan Buckley

Christopher Burch

Jay Byers

Michelle Casper Barker

Mary Charlton

Megan Claypool

Marianne Coppock

Maria Davis

Jacqueline DiGiacinto

Monica Friedman

Joe Garcia

Terry Gebard

Brian Green

Chaden Halfhill

Seth Hall

Chris Haviland

Lance Henning

Mashal Husain

Joel Jackman

Sheila Kinman

Robert Knudsen

Matt McGarvey

Thomas Moreland

Rush Nigut

Benjamin Renzo

Nannette Rodriquez

Paul Rupprecht

Jeff Russell

Keith Snow

Kevin Snyder

Behnaz Soulati

Krista Tanner

Gregory Weber

Andrea Westmeyer

Mara White

Eric Wilson

Brock Wolff

Bill Wright