UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA BLOG

United Way of Central Iowa Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of ten new members, who began their two-year term on July 1, 2024. This significant expansion reflects United Way’s commitment to bolstering community impact and advancing its mission through strengthened governance and diverse viewpoints.

United Way of Central Iowa has appointed Anne-Lyse Badou-James as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Anne-Lyse will join the organization’s senior leadership team on July 29, 2024.In this role, Anne-Lyse will guide the organization’s strategic direction, oversee finance and technology, and enhance community impact through innovative approaches aligned to United Way of Central Iowa’s UNITED to THRIVE strategic imperative.

United Way of Central Iowa has appointed Rubén Vázquez as the organization’s first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer.

United Way of Central Iowa has been awarded nearly $1.8 million as one of 32 Good Jobs Challenge grantees, part of a $500 million investment nationwide.

We are so excited to announce the formal launch of our search for a Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, a new position on United Way of Central Iowa's Senior Leadership Team. Koya Partners, the executive search firm that exclusively focuses on mission-driven clients, will be conducting the search. Koya has assumed a leadership role with diversity and equity through its placements at the CEO and senior executive levels, as well as in building diversity and equity internally. 

Our organization is honored to be recognized with this award alongside our friends and partners

Sean Vicente, managing partner of KPMG’s Des Moines office, was selected as this year’s recipient of United Way of Central Iowa’s prestigious Tocqueville Society Award. Past awardees select an individual or couple who exemplify inspirational, sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community to receive this award, one of United Way’s highest honors.

Sean was presented with the award at the annual Tocqueville Society Celebration, sponsored by Ryan Companies, held on October 7. In addition to this recognition, the event celebrates the more than 765 central Iowa Tocqueville Society members comprising this premier philanthropic leadership group, who annually invest $10,000 or more in the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community through United Way of Central.

Photos from the Tocqueville Society Celebration can be found here.

“For me, being a part of United Way of Central Iowa is about giving back to impact our entire community, and I’m so proud of the work we have collectively been able to deliver through this organization,” said Sean. “Receiving this honor as the 2021 Tocqueville Society Award recipient is a humbling experience, and I am truly grateful to family, friends, and my peers involved in this work who make it such an enjoyable and important part of my life.”

Sean has contributed to United Way of Central Iowa at the Tocqueville Society membership level since 2003 and has been a loyal donor since 1993. He has been actively engaged with the organization, advocating for education and engagement in our community, as well as volunteering on a variety of committees and cabinets. Most recently, Vicente has made a long-term commitment as United Way of Central Iowa’s Board Chair through 2023. His leadership and contributions have led to measurable positive financial results – including increasing membership and raising $1 million over goal during his tenure as Tocqueville Society Campaign Co-Chair in 2017.

United Way of Central Iowa is fortunate to have Sean as an extension of our team. He shows his commitment to our community through the numerous leadership positions he’s held within our organization, including Education Leadership Investment Committee from 2009-2012, Finance and Audit Chair from 2013-2016, and a six-time member of our Campaign Cabinet. The results we’ve seen under his guidance are incredible and the scope of the impact he’s created is inspiring.

In addition to his duties at KPMG, Sean enjoys participating in many community, civic and professional activities outside of United Way with his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Michael and Sydney. He is past President of the Board of Bravo Greater Des Moines and currently serves as a board member at Junior Achievement of Central Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

Athene, a leading provider of retirement savings products, donated 375 laptops and 50 desktops to United Way of Central Iowa and its partner agencies.

Our 2017 LIVE UNITED Celebration drew a record crowd to Prairie Meadows to recognize our community's collective achievements to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all central Iowans. Here are the highlights shared at the event. 

For the past 100 years, United Way of Central Iowa has taken on challenges big and small—from convening the community to tackle tough issues like poverty and getting kids ready for school success to partnering with thousands of people who donate each year to a campaign that makes the work of improving our community possible.