Jen Schulte

Assistant city manager, city of Des Moines

Age: 38

Spouse: John Mickey

Children: Jackson and Edison 

Mentor: Mary Koenecke, retired, former director, state government affairs, GlaxoSmithKline

Reasons she is a Forty: Jen has spent her entire career working toward policy change at all levels of government to enhance the health and well-being of Iowans, most notably the Smokefree Air Act, Medicaid expansion and local option sales and services tax. She is the youngest, and second female to be appointed as assistant city manager at the city of Des Moines. She serves on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society executive board, the Greater Des Moines Partnership communications board, and the Central Iowa board of directors for the American Red Cross. She has raised over $250,000 for various nonprofits with the mission of finding innovative treatments and cures for cancer.

What are your goals in your role at your company? For me the goal is challenging yet straightforward: Strive each day to make Des Moines a better, stronger community by creating opportunities and enriching the lives of our 215,000 residents and nearly 1,800 city employees. This means fostering inclusive, equitable environments that encourage thoughtful discussions and fresh new approaches.

What are your goals for your community involvement? Community betterment is my No. 1 mission, whether it be at work or in my spare time. Setting the right initiatives in motion and providing resources or opportunities for others is the first step to a thriving community. We must then collectively identify challenges and share ideas on how to succeed.

What's your biggest passion, and why? I am passionate about developing relationships and emboldening others because I have seen how it’s the best path to moving forward. It is through collaborative and inclusionary efforts that we can best identify our challenges and explore opportunities that will continue to enhance the quality of life in Des Moines. 

What is it that drives you? In 2008, I worked to successfully pass Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act and learned the importance of policy change. Through that substantial public health initiative, I realized that I could help make meaningful enhancements to better Iowa. It was that experience that set me on the path I am on today. 

What are your future aspirations? Through my leadership at the city, I want to continue to make Des Moines attractive for families, businesses and visitors alike. Building a strong community is a top priority as my children grow up. I want to make sure the community fosters an environment where they can be successful in anything they aspire to do.

Three hobbies: Cheering on the Hawkeyes. I am a die-hard Iowa fan and refuse to cheer for any other teams. My love for the university intensified when I played tennis for the Hawkeyes. I also enjoy traveling and training for endurance sporting events. 

Fun fact: She competed in three Ironman competitions in 13 months, dedicating hours on end to her health and fitness in the hopes to inspire others that anything is possible when you have the right mindset and goals.

One word to describe you: Competitive.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I hope we’ll use the knowledge gained from coping with the pandemic to create a business environment that addresses the needs and lifestyle of today’s workers. Des Moines has an opportunity to develop a workplace that can influence cities across the country.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? An item that sits high on my bucket list is to visit all 50 states by the time I am 40. Travel, whether stateside or abroad, is an experience that opens one’s eyes to new experiences, adventures and perspectives. I have only five more to go.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Always strive to help someone in need. Even a seemingly simple act of kindness can be impactful to others. While too often in short supply these days, we know that helping others is rewarding on so many levels – and that such efforts have a way of being shared by others.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Child care. Children are the future of our community. Ensuring that all families have accessible, affordable child care options is critical to their development and success as they mature into young adults. We, as leaders, must find opportunities and resources to help shape their growing minds while challenging them to maximize their potential and find their true self.