Joel Anderson

Partner, RSM

Age: 36

Education: Bachelor of Arts in accounting and Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from University of Northern Iowa

Wife: Anne Anderson 

Children: Felicity (daughter), Winston (son)

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

Partner of risk consulting at RSM.

Former tax and economic policy adviser to Gov. Kim Reynolds during the pandemic.

Board member of Easterseals of Iowa.

Legislative co-chair for the Iowa Society of CPAs. 

What's your biggest passion, and why?

Curiosity is my biggest passion. I love diving into complex problems, uncovering connections and finding solutions that create real impact in my community’s daily life. My drive to learn, explore and leave the world better than I found it fuels everything I do.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I define success as making a meaningful impact — personally, by being a present husband and father; professionally, by solving challenges that improve communities. It’s about continuous growth, building strong relationships and always striving to leave things better than I found them. Success isn’t a destination — it’s a lifelong pursuit.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

More people should know about the amazing work Easterseals of Iowa does. They help people with disabilities gain independence, whether through assistive tech, job support or crisis services. It’s about giving everyone a fair shot at living, working and thriving — and that’s something worth supporting.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

During the pandemic, I witnessed incredible compassion and resilience in our community. I was fortunate to serve alongside others, turning grants from ideas into stocked food pantries, financial relief for businesses and critical supplies for hospitals. It showed me that Iowans can tackle any challenge together.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I just made partner at RSM and am excited about launching our managed services platform, Catamaran, for local governments. I want to help streamline their back-office operations so they can focus more on citizen-facing issues, making government more efficient and impactful for communities.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Stay curious and always take the coffee meeting. The best opportunities come from unexpected conversations, learning new perspectives and embracing challenges. Build genuine relationships, ask questions and keep growing — you never know where a simple chat might lead.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

Read for an hour a day, especially outside your subject matter. You’re expected to be an expert in your field, but real impact happens when you connect your expertise with other disciplines. The more perspectives you explore, the more innovative and effective you become.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

I’d love to see Central Iowa leaders invest more in developing the next generation of accountants. Businesses and governments depend on strong financial leadership, but the talent pipeline is shrinking. Supporting accounting education and career pathways will strengthen our local economy and ensure future financial stability. Great things are happening at the UNI@DMACC program!

What's one fun fact about you?

I own about 90 bow ties and am on a mission to reach 365 — one for every day of the year — before I retire.

Hobbies:

Gardening; playing tabletop games with friends whenever I get the chance; part owner of DSM Foundry — help out at farmers’ markets and holiday shows, or sanding and staining products when needed.

What is one word that best describes you?

Curious.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

The egg sandwich from Main Street Bakery on a Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

At the Iowa State Fair, someone told me they found a DSM Foundry map in Alaska — another Iowa family was using it to check off national parks. They were so impressed they came to the fair just to order their own. Turns out, we’ve got an unofficial marketer in Alaska!

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Driving around Ashby Avenue during the holidays with the kids, hot chocolate in hand, is a favorite tradition. Huge thanks to the families who put up lights year after year — you make pure magic for the kids (and the parents too)!