2026-2027 WDM Leadership Academy Class
Mikel Derby
Iowa Department of TransportationLaura Reveles
City of West Des MoinesRyan Penning
City of West Des MoinesCaitlin Thompson Smith
NCMICJake Francis
Des Moines Buccaneers, Sr. Director, SalesRick Breuss III
Sacred Encounter Hospice, CEOMikel Derby
Iowa Department of Transportation
Liz Rice
ServiceMaster by Rice, Marketing Coordinator
Laura Reveles
City of West Des Moines
Ryan Penning
City of West Des Moines
Andrew Johnson
Empower Communities Now INC, manager/ owner
Caitlin Thompson Smith
NCMIC
Jake Francis
Des Moines Buccaneers, Sr. Director, Sales
I specialize in entertainment and hospitality for one of the oldest sports teams in the entire Des Moines metropolitan area. Go Bucs!
Kirby Nelson
R&R Realty Group, Marketing Manager
Kade Kelso
Truth Family Chiropractic, Associate Chiropractor
Alex Breitsprecher
Lincoln Savings Bank, Private Banker
Rick Breuss III
Sacred Encounter Hospice, CEO
I am a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of national hospice experience. My career began as a hospice volunteer at the bedside, where I learned firsthand the profound impact of compassionate end-of-life care. Over the ensuing two decades, I advanced through progressive leadership roles, serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) before assuming my current position as Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sacred Encounter Hospice. This journey has given me a unique, 360-degree perspective on hospice operations, from clinical excellence and regulatory compliance to strategic growth and financial stewardship. Thus, allowing me to lead organizations that deliver exceptional care across the country and in my own backyard.
Beyond the boardroom, I remain deeply committed to civic and philanthropic engagement. I actively support local initiatives that strengthen our community and help improve West Des Moines Schools. Giving back is more than a value for me; it is a responsibility. Whether through board service, fundraising, or volunteering, I believe it is essential to invest in the communities that have supported us and in which we live.
Above all, though, I am a proud husband and father. My family is the foundation that keeps me grounded and motivated. Their love and encouragement reinforce my commitment to building a legacy of integrity, compassion, and excellence in both my professional and personal life.
Ryan Simon
South Story Bank, Finance Officer
Betsy Solberg
Athene, Program Manager
Cooper Bolles
ISG, Assistant Project Manager
Jessica Copley
IMT Insurance, Manager of Project Management Office
Nate Geer
Merchants Bonding Company, RVP
Sam Hart
Sammons Financial Group, Director of Marketing Content Strategy
Maggie Herr
West Des Moines Public Library (City of WDM), Library Information Coordinator
Jeremy Huisman
Shive-Hattery, Inc., Healthcare Engineering Market Leader
Darla Hunzelman
Mid-Iowa Council, Scouting America, VP of Development
Diane Jeffries Ladd
SVPA Architects Inc., Senior Architect/Project Manager
Jeff Konrad
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Audit & Assurance Senior Manager
Maren LaFollette
Sikich LLP, Consultant
Monica May
Ascendant Wealth Management Group - Ameriprise, Accountant
Lindsey McKinstry
Hubbell Realty Company, Property Manager
Jodi Minard
Northwest Bank, Private Banker
Haley Moon
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy
Andrea Odefey
GuideOne Insurance, Finance Director
Ethan Pitt
Eide Bailly , Tax Manager
Kelsey Ries
ITA Group, Sr. Manager of Creative Development
Steven Schappaugh
West Des Moines Community Schools, Executive Director of Secondary Education
Bryce Slaughter
Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm, Associate Attorney
Connor Stengel
Estes Construction, Pre-Construction Manager
Steph Strauss
Life in Overflow, Founder
Zach Umsted
Wellabe, Data Governance Manager
Lisa Wind
Homesteaders Life Co., Customer Service Phone Team Manager
Sara Wolter
MHCS, Talent Acquisition and Marketing Manager
Lydia Broadhead
Merkle Retirement Planning, Client Experience Team Lead