Jay Byers is being remembered as a man who helped shape Des Moines’ future through his innovation and who was the special ingredient in the “secret sauce” that he often said made the Des Moines metro successful.

Byers, the president of Simpson College and past president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, died unexpectedly April 17. He was 54.

Byers was known as a husband, father, friend, mentor, visionary leader, musician and unstoppable advocate, his obituary reads. Byers is survived by his wife, Katie, two daughters, Charlotte and Sophie, as well as many other family members and friends.

“Jay was always thinking a few steps ahead of others, and he knew how to move pieces to create opportunities for the people and communities he cared about. Jay had a way of showing up everywhere – events, social media, early morning coffees, late night socials. He did so because he believed in being there for moments that matter. And he really cared,” the obituary reads. 

“Jay lived his life with gusto and purpose, always striving to create a better future for others. But this passion took a toll on his personal well-being, and recently he experienced mental health struggles that eclipsed his typical positive, problem-solving personality.” 

A 1993 Simpson alumnus, Byers had “tremendous passion” for the college, Handley said.

“Jay loved this place. He loved everyone associated with Simpson College,” he said. “I was involved in the search for this position. We had a lot of wonderful candidates. Jay certainly rose above, and that passion, that love of Simpson is infectious. And that was a huge reason for Jay being chosen as president. His personality, his conviction, his passion for the people here on campus, for what Simpson College meant to him and the future of Simpson College, his experience as a student. It was his vision that current students and future students could have that same experience. It was all about setting our students up for success. Jay put everyone else ahead of himself.”

Handley said a meeting is being held today to discuss establishing interim leadership at Simpson. He said additional details will be shared in the next week about how “Simpson College moves forward together.”

“This will take some time. We will take that time to grieve. We will take our time to recover, and then we will move forward. That’s exactly what Jay would expect,” he said.

Byers had served as Simpson’s 25th president since July 2023 after 18 years with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. He joined the Partnership in 2005 as senior vice president for government relations and public policy and became CEO in 2012.

Community leaders said Byers’ visionary leadership and relationship building helped set the Greater Des Moines region up for future success. Among his achievements at the Partnership, the organization expanded to represent 11 counties and 24 affiliate chambers of commerce with more than 6,500 members, making it the fourth largest regional chamber of commerce in the country. During his tenure, the Des Moines metro was also ranked the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest in terms of population, GDP and job growth.

Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO of the Partnership and a close friend of Byers, said she and her colleagues were “heartbroken by the terrible news of Jay’s passing.”

“Jay was a transformational leader for Greater Des Moines and for the Greater Des Moines Partnership,” said Tauscheck, who succeeded Byers in leading the Partnership. “He continuously shaped the future through his bold ideas and strategic vision. Jay believed deeply in the power of kindness, optimism and community. He was a friend to everyone and a genuinely wonderful person.

“His positive impact cannot be properly summed up in words, rather it will be seen and felt by many for decades to come through the numerous people, projects, events and ideas he believed in and supported. His friendship, guidance and belief in me, the Partnership and our community will not be forgotten. Jay was simply the best and we will miss him deeply. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Before joining the Partnership, Byers was district director for Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell and an attorney at the Ice Miller Law Firm in Indianapolis. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Simpson and his Juris Doctor degree from University of Iowa.

He served on several boards of directors, including Catch Des Moines, America’s Cultivation Corridor, ChildServe and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation as well as 11 years on Simpson’s board of trustees. Byers was a Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree in 2006 and was selected as the Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year in 2012. He was voted by Business Record readers as the No. 2 Most Influential Business Leader from 2019 to 2023.

Outside of his career, Byers was a musician and self-defined “super-fan” of live music. He sang and played guitar starting in high school, playing with bands such as the Blitz, the Rodeo Clowns, Johnny and the Spitballs, the Dead Yellow Canaries and most recently Homeward Bound, a Simon & Garfunkel tribute duo.

Jay Byers in the Business Record archives:

• A Closer Look: Jay Byers
• Video: Jay Byers plays guitar
• Byers eager to tackle challenges of new Partnership position

Jay Byers obituary

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How leaders are remembering Byers

Share your memories with Jay: The Business Record invites the community to share their memories of Jay Byers and the impact and legacy he leaves on Greater Des Moines and the many people he knew. Comments may be included in future coverage of Byers’ life and legacy.

Share a memory

Connie Boesen, Des Moines mayor

My heart is broken today for Jay’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Jay dedicated his career and his life to making our Des Moines community a better place. His passion shone through his visionary leadership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Simpson College and many other local organizations working to improve Central Iowa. His eye for innovation and ability to build relationships helped foster the incredible transformations and growth we have seen in downtown Des Moines and across the whole region. Jay will be remembered as a shining star in every sense of the word and an influential leader in our community. He left his mark on me as a leader and a friend, and I’ll be eternally grateful for my time with Jay.

Angela Connolly, Polk County supervisor

I am devastated by the loss of not only a dear friend and a generous, kind human, but a pillar of our community. Jay always said that DSM has the ‘secret sauce’ and he was the main ingredient. Jay was the biggest cheerleader for our community but also the hardest worker. He had big ideas and wasn’t afraid to tackle them. This is a devastating loss for our community and my sympathies are with Katie, his daughters and the hundreds of friends, family and colleagues whose lives he touched. I know he has touched my life and I will miss him dearly.

Greg Edwards, Catch Des Moines

Our community is heartbroken over the loss of JB. Jay did so very much for our metro and state, from his work with elected officials, to leading the Greater Des Moines Partnership and then to Simpson College. So many talents from economic development, to strengthening our region’s economy to heading up an aggressive vision for Simpson. His handprints will remain on so much and his gentleness touched us all. God bless him and his family.

Joe Murphy, Iowa Business Council
Murphy worked with Byers at the Partnership from 2016-2019 as senior vice president of  government relations and public policy.

Jay’s impact on our community is immeasurable. He brought out the very best in everyone he came in contact with whether it was a CEO of a major company or a wide-eyed freshman at Simpson College. He inspired those around him to think big and lead with compassion. A true servant leader, he was unafraid to put forward bold ideas that always led to a positive outcome for the DSM community and his alma mater. Jay was a great boss, a great friend and an even better person.

Dustin Miller, Iowa Chamber Alliance

Jay’s presence in any room was noticed, not simply because of his 6’6” frame and bowties but because he was someone who was always looking for others to invest himself into, whether it was an 18-year-old freshman at Simpson, a sitting U.S. senator or a CEO in downtown Des Moines. He was a small-town kid who loved Iowa so much that he boomeranged back to the state and then spent his entire career investing in the state and institutions that he believed had given him so much. The chamber community is devastated but will move forward with his legacy in mind to continue to project his love for Iowa.

Mike Swesey, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Area Economic Development Corp.
Swesey is the former executive vice president of economic development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The shock is still setting in. I worked with Jay for nearly 20 years. He was a wonderful person and a true friend. Jay’s impact on Greater Des Moines will last for generations. He will be missed by countless individuals throughout Iowa and across the country.

Nancy Mwirotsi, Pi515

The first time Jay Byers asked to meet me is still vividly etched in my mind. It was a cold but sunny day at Caribou Coffee on Ingersoll. We sat by the window facing the road, soaking in the light. The warmth of the sun on such a chilly day felt marvelous, like a quiet reminder that even in the cold, there is light. We shared so much in that conversation — both of us deeply passionate about the work we loved. I had just discovered my true calling. His was music, and he absolutely beamed with joy when he spoke about it. We even shed tears of joy as we opened up about our journeys and the purpose driving us forward.

Jay was more than a leader — he was a connector, a champion and a true friend to our community and Pi515.

His support helped us launch some of our most impactful initiatives. With his leadership, we partnered with Atlantic Bottling and Coca-Cola, who awarded us $30,000 to create a tech skills internship program for youth in 2019. That investment became the foundation for our intern program and Innovation Awards, which have since empowered students across Iowa with paid opportunities and real-world experience. Jay showed up for student pitches and more. Today we have spent over $200,000 in internships and awards for students. 

Jay continued to advocate for our vision as we expanded, notably supporting the launch of our Smart Cities curriculum. Through a collaboration with the City of Des Moines, StartupCity Des Moines, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, we secured initial funding to launch this program during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jay believed in building an ecosystem where young innovators could thrive, and his support was instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

As Tej Dhawan and Christian Renaud of StartupCity Des Moines reflected:

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Polk County and the City of Des Moines recognized the value of investing in innovators and entrepreneurs when helping launch StartupCity Des Moines nearly a decade ago. Today, that original investment continues to pay dividends where proceeds continue to help sustain investments in innovators. We are proud to support Pi515 and its sustained efforts in building Des Moines’ technology, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Jay believed in that ecosystem — and he believed in the young people building it. The last time I saw Jay was just days before his passing. We were at the ChildServe Bubble Ball fundraiser, both invited by Homesteaders’ Nick Gerhart. We ended up sitting next to each other. The joke at the table was that Jay and I were twinning — our outfits unintentionally matched. We laughed and caught up. He asked about my daughter, and I asked about his. He mentioned that one of his daughters was finishing animation studies at DMACC. I told him about the AI and AR tools we were exploring and invited her to visit Pi515 to learn more. We also reflected on what we had built together and shared kind words about Mary Bontrager, someone we both admire deeply.​

That evening, I reminded Jay how loved and valued he was. As the night wound down, we said our goodbyes. I was still with a few friends reflecting on the evening when Jay came back just to say another goodbye. I told him we would see him soon. That moment now holds a profound place in my heart. 

My deepest condolences go out to Katie, Sophie and Charlotte. Jay’s passing is a profound loss for all who knew him. His unwavering support and belief in Des Moines, Simpson College and the state of Iowa as a whole impacted many. I will always cherish our last conversation. Jay’s kindness, vision and dedication to community will never be forgotten.

Chris Conetzkey, Business Publications Corp.

Years ago, we helped Jay Byers and the Greater Des Moines Partnership produce a 125th anniversary publication that celebrated the history of the Chamber and the legacies of all the people who contributed to transforming our region. David Elbert wrote the publication and we titled and themed it appropriately after one of Jay’s favorite phrases and metaphors — “Standing on the shoulders of giants.” The metaphor’s most popular expression comes from a letter by Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Thanks Jay, for helping so many in our community see just a little bit further.

Mike McCoy, NCMIC Group Inc.

What a collective loss for our community. I’d see Jay most Tuesday mornings at our breakfast club including last Tuesday. Tuesdays won’t be the same now. I had the honor of chairing the Partnership when Jay decided to focus his attention and leadership on Simpson College. Jay was so thoughtful about the transition and about preparing future leaders like Tiffany Tauscheck so the organization he spent 11 years leading would not miss a beat. I would frequently seek his counsel on community issues and was always smarter after I did. I miss you Jay.

Creighton Cox, Greiner Construction

I met Jay in 2004 while we worked on opposing congressional campaigns. We both wanted our candidate to win, but what was different about Jay and me was that we both wanted each other to be successful. We’d talk at events about the campaigns and about life. After the campaign (he won, of course!), we both applied for the Greater Des Moines Partnership government affairs position. We both interviewed and waited to hear who got the job.  When it was announced that Jay was hired, we met a few days later and I told him “Congratulations, if I was making the decision, I would have picked you too.” Though we were relatively the same age, I looked up to him, and not just because he was taller than me! He became a good friend, a mentor and a cheerleader throughout my career. I will miss him dearly.

Susan Judkins, RDG Planning & Design

My first collaboration with Jay was in 1997 when he involved the office of Congressman Boswell in financing improvements to an interchange with the Highway 5 bypass and Highway 65-69. Our families lived in Indianola, and my daughters babysat for his when they were young. My former husband, Bob Josten, was a mentor of Jay’s and we enjoyed many impactful discussions with and about him. I was thrilled when Jay became president of his alma mater (and mine) Simpson College, and enjoyed my last long conversation with him when attending the George Washington Carver event there earlier this year. It was a special moment I will never forget. My heart goes out to his family, especially Katie, Sophie and Charlotte — an entire community is here to support you!!

Rachelle Keck, Grand View University

The loss of President Jay Byers is rippling across the metro, the state and our nation. While relatively new to higher education, he was a fast learner, an innovative thinker and a blessing to the sector. He was a good friend and great colleague. We first met while students together at the University of Iowa College of Law. He was a rippling force then, and continued to serve well throughout his notable career — whether politics, advocacy, community development or higher education. You will be missed, friend. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. Sending up prayers for Katie and your girls and all your loved ones. Until we meet again. 

Greg Robinson, retired from Urbandale Community School District

During my time when I was the superintendent of the Urbandale Community School District, Jay was a driving positive force, along with the support of key Partnership and local Chamber personnel in bringing together business leaders and area superintendents to discuss legislative and community issues. These periodic meetings with Jay’s assistance and direction led to two key opportunities: 1) After collaborative discussions, the Partnership and Chamber supported the eventual passage of the 1-cent school infrastructure tax, allowing the renovation and construction of buildings to meet the needs of students and staff throughout Iowa; and 2) Constant support in networking so that area superintendents and private universities/DMACC could attend the annual Partnership DC trip to advocate directly with Iowa senators, representatives and Department of Education staff (which sometimes was the current secretary) on educational issues. One of these trips resulted in the secretary of education coming to tour the Urbandale Community School District and to speak with area superintendents. Not bad, huh? Not only was Jay instrumental in things like this on the business side of life, you would think nothing of it when you would see him at Blues on Grand rocking away! Jay Byers, truly an individual who will be missed … but never forgotten!  Expect the best like Jay would want us to do!

David Maxwell, retired from Drake University

Jay was a wonderful friend and colleague, not only in our work together at the Partnership, but the numerous times that he convinced me to embarrass myself by playing guitar with him in public. He was an incredibly smart, thoughtful, joyful man, and his death at such a young age is truly staggering. My heart goes out to Katie and family, to the Simpson College family, and Jay’s many, many friends and admirers in Central Iowa.

Senior Staff Writer Michael Crumb contributed to this reporting.