Scott Bennett has been named the new president of the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation board of directors.

Bennett has been on the board since 2018, most recently serving as vice president. He replaces Rita Perea as president.

He will now lead the 29-member team of volunteers on the board, which awards more than $2 million in annual scholarship support.

The foundation also works with individual donors, local businesses and support organizations to ensure funding is available for student scholarships as well as for faculty and program enhancements.

“I’m honored to serve in the President’s role for such an important institution and to work side-by-side with the entire DMACC Foundation Board and its dedicated professional staff,” Bennett said in a news release. “The Foundation has achieved a tremendous amount in its 50-year history, and we all remain focused on making the future even better for students and the community.”

Bennett works as a portfolio manager at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. He joined the firm in 1988 as a credit analyst and became a portfolio manager in 1996.