Deann joined the Foundation as the new President and CEO at the beginning of 2023. Previously, she had served as the President and CEO of United Ways of Iowa since 2013, and has worked in the nonprofit sector in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines for over 20 years.

Deanna grew up on the family farm in Gladbrook, Iowa, and proudly received her high school diploma alongside her peers in a graduating class of 20 students. She relocated to Cedar Rapids after earning her BA in Sociology from Central College and an MPP from University of Northern Iowa.

In her role with United Ways of Iowa, Deann’s work focused on public policy, training, networking, and managing statewide projects, including the ALICE Report and Iowa Reading Corps. Deann brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and connections from across the state—as well as experience with IWF’s Building Community Child Care Solutions as a partnering agency.

Deann is excited to shift into a role where she is actively shattering barriers and helping support organizations that make a direct impact in the lives of women and girls in Iowa.

As Iowa’s only state-wide organization focused primarily on shattering women’s barriers to economic self-sufficiency, IWF has worked with communities and businesses across the state to identify and implement localized solutions for major challenges, like the childcare crisis. Hear firsthand how IWF has used data and solutions-focused collaboration to make a difference for women and girls and how this approach can benefit your space, too.

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