The Stelter Co. in Des Moines has named two third-generation family members to lead the company, with support from a newly appointed executive leadership team as part of a succession plan. The company’s owners, Larry Stelter and Peggy Fisher, announced their plans to retire in June 2020. Next year will mark Stelter’s 50th year with the company; Fisher marks her 25th year next month. 

Founded in 1962, the Stelter Co. specializes in working as a strategic partner with nonprofit organizations to create multichannel marketing to cultivate donor relationships. The company employs more than 100 workers and has nearly 1,500 clients.   

In 1991, Larry Stelter purchased the company from his father, Paul Stelter, becoming the second generation at the helm. Fisher joined the company in 1994 as creative director after a successful career as art director at Country Home magazine. Fisher was the chief operating officer before being named CEO in 2013.

Nathan Stelter, Larry’s oldest son, has been named president of the company. Jeremy Stelter, Larry’s second son, has assumed the role of executive vice president. Bev Hutney has been promoted to CEO, taking over for Fisher. The company further outlined new executive roles in a news release. 

“I can’t tell you how proud I am,” said Larry Stelter. “Watching my boys grow up in and around the business, I hoped this day would come. To hand over my life’s work — and my dad’s life’s work — to them. … I’ve always told them: If you don’t love what you’re doing, do something else. But they kept showing up every day. And not just that — they have the talent, vision and passion to take the company to places I can’t even dream of.”

Hutney, currently in her 21st year with the company, has held several critical positions, most recently as chief operating officer. As creative director, she played a major role in shifting the trajectory of the company, taking it from a direct mail vendor to a strategic partner providing custom multichannel marketing services.

In her role as director of innovation and research, Hutney oversaw the commission and release of the first-ever national scientific study on the topic of bequest giving. Under Hutney’s guidance as COO for the last six years, the company has continued its double-digit growth trajectory.

In preparation for their retirement, Stelter and Fisher have assumed new roles to assist the executive team during the transition. Stelter will act as chairman of the board, with Fisher serving as strategic adviser.