Local recruiting and outplacement leader Marni Hockenberg this fall is launching ExeConnect Iowa, a new invite-only networking community exclusively for vice president to C-suite level executives in Des Moines and Central Iowa. According to a news release, the group is meant to bring executives together throughout the year for networking and career development in a social setting. ExeConnect Iowa is modeled after another networking group, Gears & Gadgets, that Hockenberg ran in Minneapolis for manufacturing industry executives, the release said. Hockenberg has more than 30 years of experience as an executive recruiter, including working in Minnesota for 20 years. She moved back to Des Moines in 2020 and has been involved in local business organizations, including the National Association of Women Business Owners and Society for Human Resource Management. “I’ve witnessed firsthand throughout my career the extraordinary value of networking for executives at all stages of their careers,” she said in a prepared statement. “I am thrilled to join with partners in the Des Moines business community to create this very distinguished and valuable resource for our region’s executive leaders.” ExeConnect Iowa’s first event is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the “In Confidence” Speakeasy inside Hotel Fort Des Moines. To request information about participating, visit execonnectiowa.com or contact Hockenberg at marni@hockenbergsearch.com.