LB Lyons

Vice president for advancement,
Grand View University

Age: 39

Education: Grand View University, B.A. – business administration; Illinois State University, M.S. – sport management

Husband: Matt 

Children: Daughters Charlee and Blake

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I am Grand View University’s first alumna and first female vice president for advancement. 

My team and I led Grand View’s most successful fundraising year in university history. 

I am a 2020 graduate of Lead DSM’s Community Connect program and served as a mentor in the Youth Leadership Initiative. 

This honor is the product of endless people’s support and encouragement who pushed me for years to be brave and believe I could do big things.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

Being the best wife and mom for Matt, Charlotte and Blake. I know that my greatest work starts and ends at home. If I can leave the world a better place by being my best version of a wife, mom, sister, daughter and aunt, I will have made a positive difference.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

A mentor shared that they “would never ask anyone to do something they haven’t done or wouldn’t do themselves” and that’s still a guiding principle for me 10-plus years later. For example, I have been the mascot at a Division I athletics game and community festival when the regular mascot was unavailable.

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

As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate that education leads to better jobs and higher income, contributing to upward social mobility. Education is known to provide the skills, knowledge and opportunities to improve one’s socioeconomic standing; however, education must be affordable and accessible for success to happen.

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

Playing soccer collegiately was a platform to travel, develop lifelong friendships, overcome adversity and earn a college degree. Every day was an opportunity to practice integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. Such a formative experience led me to make sure others have the same opportunities to pursue their passions and dreams.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m on fire for Grand View University — we’re on the cusp of manifesting our next chapter. Our president’s council, board of trustees, faculty and staff, alumni and donors are committed to GV’s mission of engaging, equipping and empowering our learners to explore their vocations, fulfill their potential and serve the world.

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

Abraham Lincoln is often credited for saying, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Take this to heart and hone your craft into being the best where you are now regardless of title or position. It’s a motto that I’ve applied personally and professionally.

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

Competitiveness pushes me to find a way to “yes” leading to resourceful solutions formed through teamwork, hustle and a talent for “MacGyvering.” My mom is an entrepreneur who owns a small trucking company and to see her succeed in a competitive male-dominated field motivates me to constantly be better.

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

Iowa families experience a shortage of accessible, high-quality and affordable child care. Many child care professionals struggle to earn a competitive wage. The solution requires creativity and collaboration by those with an interested stake, including employers, parents, educators and legislators. We need to continue to invest in our communities and make them a great place to live and work. By investing in education and child care, we will attract and retain the workforce needed to prepare the next generation.

What's one fun fact about you?

I worked for a construction company as a trim carpenter assistant during summers in college.

Hobbies:

I am a nacho connoisseur, Iowa apologist and a lover of sunshine (including patio season, boats and the beach).

What is one word that best describes you?

Conscientious.

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

Egg roll of the day from Cooper’s on 5th.

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

Meals and conversations with a 3-year-old, 1-year-old and our dog are a regular cause of the funniest thing that has happened lately.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

My family is on a quest to visit all 63-plus state parks in Iowa.