Shannon Winters
Vice president of finance and human resources, Catch Des Moines
Age: 38
Husband: Dan Winters
Children: Cole, Chase and Avery
Reasons she is a Forty: As vice president of finance and human resources at Catch Des Moines and a certified destination management executive, Shannon brings over a decade of experience to the region’s tourism industry. She works hard, cares about people and thinks about things from a unique finance and human resources perspective. She is a Society for Human Resource Management certified professional and has previously served on the Waukee YMCA board, Iowa Caucus Consortium, Travel Federation of Iowa, and Team Iowa. She currently serves on the UnityPoint Health-Des Moines board of directors.
What are your goals in your role at your company? As head of the administration department, I strive to be a good financial steward and support our team to recruit exciting, world-class events that locals and visitors can enjoy and that fuel economic growth for our region. I’m dedicated to creating a workplace where our employees can thrive and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What are your goals for your community involvement? My full-time job naturally focuses on the visitor, but there are certain organizations that mean a lot to me. UnityPoint Health Des Moines does so many great things for our community, and I’m passionate about supporting our health care workers and administration. Serving on the board allows me to give back.
What's your biggest passion, and why? My biggest passion is my family. With three young kids, I find myself making short- and long-term decisions based on how they will be impacted. I want them to grow up in a safe, vibrant community and am always looking at things through this lens.
What is it that drives you? My kids are the biggest reason I pursue things I’m passionate about. I feel responsible to ensure they inherit a better world. A few years ago, our family suffered tragic losses that gave us a new perspective. Each day is a gift. We should be intentional about how we spend it.
What are your future aspirations? I want to continue to be a part of making our region a great place to visit, live and work. Tourism is an essential part in attracting top businesses and talent. I’m so proud of the work our team does at Catch Des Moines and the impact it has on the community.
Three hobbies: Cheering for the Cyclones, Des Moines Performing Arts season ticket holder, and baking with my kids.
Fun fact: Shannon was destined to be a firecracker. She was adopted at 3 months old and arrived in Des Moines from South Korea on the Fourth of July.
One word to describe you: Loyal.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? That we continue to work together to do really great things. So many projects have come from public-private partnerships and businesses working together. From the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium to the ICON Water Trails and proposed Market District, I’m really excited for things to come.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Have the conversation. Ask questions. Attend the event. As an introvert, I know this can be intimidating, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised over and over again. Your voice matters, and this community is welcoming and eager to collaborate.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? The mental health crisis affects more people than we realize. The statistics are scary, especially for our youths. I’d like to see efforts focused on improving our mental health care system and more resources allocated to increase awareness and give options and hope to those affected by this illness. We must invest in this issue today for a better future.