Jordan Juhl

Director of public relations, ChildServe

Age: 34

Children: Will

Mentor: Dr. Teri Wahlig, CEO of ChildServe 

Reasons she is a Forty: Jordan is the first-ever director of public relations for ChildServe, where she oversaw media and public relations efforts for nearly 100 media mentions in her first year in this role. She has gained vast experience over the course of her career working in crisis management and handling high-stakes scenarios – from managing numerous facility closings, lawsuits and transitions in leadership, to preparing messaging for high-profile media interviews, Senate hearings and legal proceedings. While being a mother, she continues to remain active in the community, serving as the public relations representative for the Iowa Pediatric Healthcare Collaborative, made up of Blank Children’s Hospital, ChildServe, MercyOne Children’s Hospital and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital; serving on the Greater Des Moines Partnership Public Relations Committee; and serving on both the Echo Valley Country Club Advisory Board and Women’s Golf Committee.  

What are your goals in your role at your company? My ultimate goal is to ensure every family in Iowa that has a child with special health care needs knows what resources are available at ChildServe. My younger sister lived in ChildServe’s long-term care unit more than 17 years ago. Having a sibling with special health care needs, I understand the importance of these resources being available locally. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? If I learned anything as a result of the pandemic, it’s to be careful where your time goes. For me, that means spending more time with family and making the community better by pursuing my passions – supporting others through PR efforts, including the Iowa Pediatric Healthcare Collaborative, mentoring others in the field, continuing to encourage youth to grow their interest in agriculture, supporting animal rescue and contributing to local nonprofits.  

What’s your biggest passion, and why? Children and animals are my greatest passion. I believe we owe it to those who may not have a voice or cannot speak for themselves to protect, advocate and care for them. 

What is it that drives you? My family is the driver and motivation for all that I do. Losing my sister, Morgan, due to medical complexities at a young age, I recognize each day is a gift and each person is blessed with talents and abilities to share with others, for the betterment of others. And as a mother, I want to set a good example for my son and ensure he grows up in a vibrant community with opportunities for him and his own family someday. 

What are your aspirations for the future? I am passionate about helping others through public relations, strategic communications and crisis management. I spent six years in crisis management prior to my time with ChildServe and discovered how rewarding it is to help others navigate the most difficult challenges of their careers. I also hope to show my son you can make a difference doing what you love, and if you’re doing what you love, it’s pretty hard to call it work.

Three hobbies: When I’m not working or spending time with my family, you can typically find me golfing at Echo Valley, showing my two dogs at an agility trial or running.

Fun fact: She did public relations for a reality television star.

One word to describe you: Fixer.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? When families, guests and community members come through our doors at ChildServe, we often hear we have something so magical you can feel it. I invite the Central Iowa business community to come see for yourself. Please reach out or stop by for a tour and join us in our journey to transform lives through pediatric health care.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Opportunity looks a lot like work. Growing up, my dad used to tell me getting up and going to work each day was 90% of “the work.” What he meant was staying in motion and putting forth your best effort each day would bring new opportunities. From there, say yes to those opportunities as they arise – even if they scare you!  

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why? I would love to see Central Iowa leaders put their heads together to accomplish two things. First, to develop programs, community support and housing options for individuals with special health care needs after they age out of pediatric long-term care options. Second, I believe the workforce is more intuitive, powerful and diverse with women in it – so continuing to work to resolve the issues surrounding child care and remaining flexible with how and where work gets done.