Des Moines University Names New Director of External Affairs

WEST DES MOINES, IA (02/16/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has named Lucas Casey, MPA, director of external affairs in the Office of the President. He begins his role Feb. 16, 2026.

Casey brings experience in higher education and external and government relations. From 2009 to 2015, he served as executive assistant to the president and director of community relations at Grand View University during a period of record growth and expansion. In that role, he was responsible for board governance, strategic planning and implementation and cross-departmental special projects and initiatives. He also managed external and government affairs for the university's president.

His background also includes more than a decade working in central Iowa local government and community and economic development. Most recently, Casey was a business development leader in the private sector, where he partnered with government clients on infrastructure, economic development, public engagement and technology projects. Earlier in his career, Casey held senior staff positions with the cities of Grimes and Johnston.

Casey's commitment to central Iowa over the past 20 years includes leadership and involvement with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Capital Crossroads, American Red Cross, United Way of Central Iowa and the City of West Des Moines. He is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.

"Lucas brings the right combination of higher education insight, public-sector experience and relationship-building expertise to this critical role," says Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, president and CEO of DMU. "As DMU continues to expand its impact across Iowa and the nation, his leadership will broaden and strengthen our connections with government leaders, community partners and external stakeholders in support of our mission and strategic vision."

"I am honored to join Dr. Franklin and the team at DMU when there is so much momentum and support for the important work our students and graduates are doing," Casey says. "I look forward to collaborating with our partners in support of DMU's mission to improve lives in our communities."

Casey earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Northern Iowa in 2006 and a master of public administration with an emphasis in public policy from Drake University in 2009.

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