Kendra Marshall

Director, business strategy
Sammons Financial Group

Age: 34

Partner: John Marshall

Children: John (6), Rose (3) and Dan (10 months)

Mentor: Mary Chase, vice provost for enrollment management and university planning, Creighton University, Omaha

Why she’s a Forty: 

She raised over $25,000 for the Food Bank of Iowa in memory of her late father. She led her West Des Moines Leadership Academy class project in raising more than $52,000 for West Des Moines Human Services. She is the head coach for the Dowling Catholic cheerleading program. She is past chair for the Junior League of Omaha.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

My goal is to organize the chaos for our leaders to strategically plan our future. From sound decision-making to vetting business development opportunities, to crafting and effectively sharing our long term vision. I love the challenge of change, transformation and making our business even better. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

I aspire to develop student athletes to be committed and accountable teammates that ignite the spirit of Dowling Catholic High School.

What’s your biggest passion, and why? 

Being the best mother I possibly can be for John, Rose and Dan. I firmly believe that my greatest work starts and ends at home. If I can leave the world a better place through my children, I will have made a positive difference.

What is it that drives you? 

I’ve always had a strong desire to make my parents proud. Losing my father several years ago has further encouraged me to make a positive difference. I want to know that I was able to help others through sharing my God-given gifts and giving graciously and generously. 

What are your future aspirations? 

I want to continue to create fun and entertaining ways to give back to others, specifically children. From fundraising dinners to dueling pianos, to grade school fashion shows, to high school cheerleaders, finding enthusiastic ways to make a difference in the lives of others makes for memorable experiences and giving.

Three hobbies: 

Cheer on Iowa Hawkeye Football; long weekends at the lake with family; kids’ activities – football, basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming.

ONE word: Genuine.

Fun fact: 

She traveled to Hong Kong and mainland China for an MBA course in 2016. She tried every new food and was offered an executive job by the chairman of China’s Industry Institute. 

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

I’d like to see Iowa leaders better collaborate. 2020 further divided communities, friends and families. Finding the middle ground, negotiating, compromising and partnering together is critical to our success as a community. Whether it is private business, politics or nonprofits, there is a great need to truly show our community how strong we are as a city.

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

I wish that there was no one hungry in our community, especially children. Food insecurity continues to be a challenge for too many, only further exacerbated by COVID. I firmly believe no one in the heartland should go without food.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional looking to become a leader in your community and/or company? 

Aggressively pursue any educational opportunities that you aspire for or have the opportunity to achieve. Not only will you learn how to be a better leader, but you will gain exposure and knowledge that would otherwise not be available.