Alex Lynch has been named the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s director of regional community integration after long-time staffer Andrea Woodard was recently appointed executive director of the Iowa State Association of Counties. Woodard recently announced her departure from the Partnership after more than nine years with the Central Iowa economic development organization. She served as the Partnership’s senior vice president of government relations and public policy from October 2019 through January 2024, representing the agency at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, Woodard was the organization’s director of public policy and strategic initiatives. Her last day was July 10.

“During Andrea’s time at The Partnership, she most recently played a key role in advancing the regional community integration strategy and previously supported government affairs efforts and public policy events. We are proud of Andrea and excited for her new career move,” Partnership President and CEO Tiffany Tauscheck said in a statement to the Business Record.

Lynch has worked on the Partnership’s economic development team since 2022. According to the statement, Lynch will be connecting affiliate chambers of commerce, investors, prospective talent and new residents as part of his new role. He will also lead the community liaison program and the Regional Summit and host recruitment tours. Lynch began his new position July 15.