United Way of Central Iowa announced Tuesday that its board of directors has approved the addition of nine members for two-year terms. Nora Everett, retired president of Retirement and Income Solutions at Principal Financial Group, stepped into the role of board chair and will serve a two-year term. Each two-year term began in July. 

“United Way of Central Iowa is leading the charge for the health, education, and financial stability of all central Iowans,” Everett said in a statement. “With a committed and talented team serving on our board, committees, and cabinets, we’re working together to enable more high school graduates, more financially self-sufficient neighbors, and a healthier community for all of us,” said Everett. “I am extremely privileged to be working alongside so many others on this life-changing journey.”

The following people have joined the board:

• Rob Barron, special assistant, government and community relations, Grand View University.
• Jem Gong-Browne, director of Enterprise Strategy, Principal.
• Janice Lane-Schroeder, CEO, Children & Families of Iowa.
• Heidi Mason, community volunteer.
• Joel Nelson, president and CEO, LCS.
• Renee Schaaf, president, Retirement and Income Solutions, Principal.
• Jeremy Staun, regional vice president, Nationwide.
• Brent Vander Waal, president and chief operating officer, ITA Group Inc.
• Sean Vicente, office managing partner, KPMG LLP.

At its June board meeting, United Way of Central Iowa also honored several board members whose term on the board has expired: Tom Ahart with Des Moines Public Schools, Marta Codina with Wells Fargo, Claudia Henning with the Youth Justice Initiative, Ed Kenny with Life Care Services, Tom Mahoney with ITA Group, Joyce Pingel with Kum & Go, and Maria Volante with Dardis Communications. To see a complete list of board members, click here.

The Business Record’s 2019 Book of Lists ranked United Way as one of the most influential boards in Central Iowa.