Events

Habitat for Humanity Lance Henning serves as the President and Executive Director of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity since December 2003, overseeing efforts to build homes and communities across Dallas, Jasper, and Polk counties. Prior to this role, Lance held the position of Executive Director at Northland Habitat for Humanity from 1998 to 2003 and worked as an Environmental Associate at MRIGlobal between 1992 and 1998. Lance began a career in service as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps from 1989 to 1991. Educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, a Master of Science from the University of Kansas, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and completion of the Executive Education program in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School.

The Many Lives of Michael LaValle Michael Lavalle is one of Des Moines' most interesting people and entrepreneurs - covering topics such as reimagining the rivers of Des Moines; Des Moines' first celebrity chef; what's up with the new Atlas; senior games 100-meter dash winner; aging and CBDs; or sustainable wine concepts. Michael looks forward to reconnecting with many of us he knows and has fed over the years.

Sign Up Below! We’re looking forward to hosting our next Founders Day on May 22, 2026! Please RSVP by Friday, May 15, to give our hosts enough time to plan accordingly. Below is a preview of what to expect at each location. We’re looking forward to a great morning celebrating our member businesses together! Founders Day RSVP Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools / Des Moines Prep Host: Mike Huguelet 95 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA The Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools (ICPCS) supports the growth of high-quality, tuition-free public charter schools across Iowa, expanding innovative educational opportunities for students and families statewide. ICPCS is proud to host its Founders Day event at Des Moines Prep - the newest public charter school in Des Moines and part of Iowa’s growing movement to provide more personalized, college- and career-focused learning options for students. Des Moines Prep opened in August of 2025 as a school focused on excellence and joy, where students develop the skills and values necessary to lead with ambition and purpose. Our small high school size means every student is known and supported enough to be challenged by a rigorous and dynamic learning environment. Please join us for a 25 […]

Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa’s Cancer Crisis Harkin Institute & Iowa Environmental Council Kerri Johannsen is the Senior Director of Policy and Programs with the Iowa Environmental Council, providing strategic oversight and advocacy strategy across the Council’s Energy, Climate Initiatives, and Water Programs. She has two decades of experience in energy and environmental policy and has previously served as the Council’s Energy Program Director as well as Manager of Government Affairs. Kerri previously served as professional staff with the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, administered the Iowa Power Fund for innovative clean energy projects, and worked as an analyst and Legislative Liaison with the Iowa Utilities Commission before joining the Council in 2016. Kerri was a visiting researcher with the Florence School of Regulation in Florence, Italy, in the summer of 2024. She has a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. Adam Shriver joined The Harkin Institute as a research fellow in 2021, working on a Kellogg Foundation grant to create a “good food plan” for the state of Iowa. He took on the role of Interim Director of Wellness and Nutrition Policy in 2022, which includes […]