Being the youngest leader in her group of organizations represents both a point of pride and a challenge for Jaimie Miller-Ackley. 

“I just remember thinking, ‘This is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow,” recalled Miller-Ackley, who was promoted to her current position as executive director of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation last year at the age of 26. 

One of Mlller-Ackley’s primary responsibilities is to administer the foundation’s Individual Development Account Program, which last year provided grants of more than $400,000 to families in Iowa working toward financial independence. She also led fundraising efforts that resulted in more than $200,000 additional being raised for the program last year. 

Similarly, her civic involvement centers around programs and activities that help to improve the quality of life for people in Greater Des Moines. 

“I’ve been told I have a contagious enthusiasm for serving others,” she said. “Being an advocate for those who can’t provide a voice for themselves is just something I naturally do.” 

Among her accomplishments, Miller-Ackley collaborated with three other young professional women to co-found Lead Like a Lady, a nonprofit leadership development and mentorship group for young women. She has been involved in a number of leadership organizations, such as the board of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, the Mid Iowa Planned Giving Council and the New Leaders Council Des Moines. 

Her first professional position, working as a government affairs associate with PolicyWorks LLC, the public policy arm of the Iowa Credit Union League, helped her to establish some strong relationships and to learn the value of service, said Miller-Ackley. Before joining the foundation in January 2014, she was director of philanthropy at WesleyLife. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a political science degree and also has a Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University. 

Miller-Ackley and her husband, Jeff, celebrated their first wedding anniversary on Dec. 31. They enjoy checking out local restaurants with their friends, along with biking and hiking. 

Reasons she’s a forty:

• In her current position she formulated recommendations for improving children’s financial literacy as part of a statewide work team. 
• She graduated from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2013/14 and currently serves as secretary. 
• She has served in advisory positions to her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority. 
• She has volunteered in various capacities with the University of Northern Iowa Des Moines Alumni chapter.