Amy Strutt

Business initiatives consultant, assistant vice president
Wells Fargo

Age: 37

Partner: Thomas Strutt

Children: Elizabeth (5) and Evelyn (2)

Mentor: Kate Banasiak, president and CEO, Diversified Management Services

Why she’s a Forty: Amy serves as a city councilwoman for the city of Dallas Center. She will be graduating with her master’s degree in the spring from the University of Iowa and is maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. She is a longtime member of Relevé (formerly Lead Like a Lady) women’s professional organization. She is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Community Leadership and Community Connect program and volunteers with the organization.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

I am a technology program manager, managing an internal team member software application. I am specifically focused on change management, team member engagement, and equipping users for success through training and communication. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

As a councilwoman for the city of Dallas Center, I am focused on responsible growth and community equity. My goals are to move the city forward by listening to community members and prioritizing their needs and desires while also driving city projects focused on quality of life.

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

Being an example for my daughters and showing them through my words and actions that they can achieve anything they put their minds to and work hard for – and to do it all through a lens of kindness while seeking understanding.

What is it that drives you? 

Spending a week in a leadership intensive with 40 undergrads. I was humbled by their wisdom and ambition. These students have goals ranging from working as a doctor overseas to inventing an alternative to antibiotics. The vision and drive of these students motivates me to work each day towards my goals and a brighter community.

What are your future aspirations? 

I’ve written a children’s story about working and persevering towards your hopes and dreams, and I’d like to work with an illustrator and publisher to bring it to life. 

Three hobbies: Big 10 college football fan, avid reader, yoga and cycling enthusiast. 

Fun fact: Amy’s first – and favorite – job was as a sailing instructor on Lake Michigan.

ONE word: Connector.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

More housing, specifically affordable housing, in Dallas Center. Homes sell in record time in our community, often before they are officially on the market, and rentals are scarce and highly sought after. There is demand in the small communities just outside of Des Moines.