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