The Business Record has announced that Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is the winner of the 2012 Northwestern Mutual Forty Under 40 Alumnus of the Year award. The award is given annually to a past Forty Under 40 class member for their continued contributions to the community after their initial recognition. Byers was a member of the 2006 class, and since his selection he has continued to be an important and influential figure both in the business community and in the nonprofit scene. His rise culminated this past January when he was named the new CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.