Central Iowa Businesses Announce Leadership Changes and Initiatives

Developments span credit unions, workforce, and child care services in the region

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Several leadership changes and initiatives were announced this week in Central Iowa's business and non-profit sectors. These include the Credit Union Executive Society's Outstanding Chief Executive award for the president and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union, the release of a workforce survey showing employer confidence, and the launch of a business leadership cohort for child care professionals.

Why it matters

These developments signal a proactive approach to addressing key challenges in the Central Iowa region, from recognizing leadership within financial institutions to bolstering the workforce and supporting essential services like child care. Continued investment in these areas could be crucial for sustained economic growth in the region.

The details

Joe Hearn, president and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union, has been named Credit Union Executive Society's (CUES) Outstanding Chief Executive. This award recognizes a CEO who demonstrates visionary leadership, organizational transformation, advocacy for the credit union movement, and commitment to members, employees, and the community. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce released the 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey, which indicates confidence among Central Iowa employers heading into 2026, with over half planning to add staff and few anticipating reductions. First Children's Finance is launching a Business Leadership Cohort in Iowa to provide child care professionals with the skills needed to build, grow, and manage their businesses. The cohort for day care centers will commence in February.

  • Joe Hearn received the CUES Outstanding Chief Executive award this week.
  • The 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey was released this week.
  • First Children's Finance is launching the Business Leadership Cohort in Iowa in February 2026.

The players

Joe Hearn

President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union, recipient of the Credit Union Executive Society's Outstanding Chief Executive award.

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Conducted the 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey.

First Children's Finance

Launching a Business Leadership Cohort for child care professionals in Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“These initiatives suggest a proactive approach to addressing key challenges in the Central Iowa region – from recognizing leadership within financial institutions to bolstering the workforce and supporting essential services like child care. Continued investment in these areas could be crucial for sustained economic growth.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com (Newsy-Today.com)

The takeaway

Central Iowa's business and non-profit sectors are demonstrating a commitment to addressing regional challenges through leadership recognition, workforce development, and support for essential services like child care. These efforts could contribute to sustained economic growth in the area.