Strategic America announces CEO & President to retire

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 12, 2026) – Strategic America (SA) announced today CEO & President John Schreurs will retire in 2026 following the appointment of his successor. Schreurs’ retirement will conclude a seven-year tenure as chief executive and a 42-year career with the integrated marketing and communications firm headquartered in West Des Moines.

Schreurs joined SA a few years after its founding in Waterloo in 1983 and became CEO in 2018. During his leadership, he guided the organization’s growth into an employee-owned firm of more than 100 associates, serving a diverse portfolio of clients, from national brands to local nonprofits.

“Throughout his time at SA, John demonstrated an unwavering commitment to client success — diving deep to understand businesses and building strategies to exceed marketing goals. His legacy is defined by service — putting people first and modeling SA’s core values for future leaders,” said Joe Garcia, member of SA’s Board of Directors and Regional Vice President, Aflac.

Beyond business growth, Schreurs championed community engagement, leading SA to be an advocate for important industry and community causes by providing marketing and communications services that helped move brands forward. 

Following retirement, Schreurs will remain with SA through much of 2026 to guide the onboarding of his successor, ensure a smooth transition and continue serving on SA’s Board of Directors. To identify the next CEO who will build on Schreurs’ legacy,the Board is partnering with Jennifer Bryant of Human Pivot Consulting. 

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About Strategic America

Strategic America (SA) is an employee-owned, integrated marketing firm specializing in multi-location marketing, brand building and customer engagement. Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and representing a diverse set of clients that span multiple industries and geographies, Strategic America builds brands by using strategy and insights to power engagement and results. SA is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Learn more at www.strategicamerica.com.