Luke Lynch

OpportUNITY director, United Way of Central Iowa

Age: 36

Spouse: Alicia Lynch

Children: Jamison and Quinton

Mentor: There are many to choose from! Jacquie Easley, division director for health equity services at MercyOne and health chair for the Iowa Nebraska NAACP

Reasons he is a Forty: During the pandemic, Luke has focused on providing equitable access to personal protective equipment and COVID vaccines for communities of color. Working with trusted sources in the community, there have been over 2,500 vaccines administered through clinics Luke has been involved with and over 18,000 face masks and 12,000 bottles of hand sanitizer distributed. Luke is active in the community, serving on Drake’s Community Engagement and Advisory Council, Douglas Avenue Coalition board of directors, Beaverdale Little League’s board of directors, and as a mentor for the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Community Leadership Program. 

What are your goals in your role at your company? I’ve spent much of the past two years focused on COVID response and equitable access to vaccines and PPE; many new partnerships have formed out of this work. The OpportUNTIY Plan is beginning a strategic planning process. I'm excited to incorporate these partnerships into the future of the OpportUNITY Plan. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? As a board member of the Douglas Avenue Coalition, I’d like to see a thriving corridor that lifts and celebrates the rich diversity and culture of the neighborhood. As a mentor with the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, my goal is to provide a meaningful experience for leaders in our community to learn and grow. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? Helping others. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the ability to do this in my day-to-day work. I realize the privilege I have and believe it’s my duty to use it for good. 

What is it that drives you? “We all do better when we all do better” is a quote by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone. It hangs on my wall as a daily reminder that if we can take care of those who are furthest in the margins, we will have taken care of everyone.  

What are your future aspirations? To continue engaging in meaningful work. I’ve been fortunate to date that I’ve been able to choose jobs that are fulfilling and meaningful. At some point I’d like to go to grad school. 

Three hobbies: You’ll often find me enjoying the company of friends and family, catching Des Moines’ hometown team as a Drake men’s basketball season ticket holder, or cheering on my beloved Hawkeyes. Other hobbies include working out/running, good podcasts and politics. 

Fun fact: Luke often runs in the same professional circles as his identical twin, Alex, who works in economic development. They do their best to preempt confusion and make it known they’re twins.  

One word to describe you: Authentic.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? To have a broader conversation and understanding of the causes of and solutions to poverty. Let’s have authentic conversations with equity in the center.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Get involved and believe in yourself.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? I think we are on the cusp of changing the landscape of housing in our community. There are a lot of paths toward affordable housing and a real desire to get it done. Central Iowa is forecast to have 1 million people by the year 2040 and the majority of those households will make less than $75,000. By ensuring a good mix of affordable housing, we’ll set up Central Iowans to succeed.