The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Promotes Kara Matheson and Tom Florian

WEST DES MONES, IA (June 28, 2022) –
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce the promotion of Kara Matheson and Tom Florian.

Two team members who have excelled in important ways to help further the Chamber and City

Kara Matheson has been a leader with the WDM Chamber since September of 2018. She started in the role of manager of events and communications, was promoted to director of workforce development in 2020, to senior director of workforce development in 2021 and on July 1, 2022, she will be promoted to vice president of workforce development & culture.

“I feel so fortunate to genuinely love the work we do at the WDM Chamber,” said Matheson. “It’s all about the people. I’m inspired daily by our team and Katherine’s unparalleled leadership, our members and partners, and the incredible leaders across the region we get to work with to do what we do. I can’t wait to continue building workforce initiatives that truly make an impact for our community. Cheers to great things ahead!”

“Kara has been involved in many vital programs that have been instrumental in moving our community, region, and state forward,” said Katherine Harrington, president & CEO of the WDM Chamber, “Some of these include leading the prestigious and life changing West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA) into its 15^th year, steering West YP to unprecedented heights in membership and engagement, leading the YURtern program for college students and interns who come from all across the country and many more workforce initiatives.”

Matheson also started the popular Influencer monthly newsletter and developed the WDMLA yearbook that has become a new revenue stream for the chamber. In addition, Kara leads the regional DEI Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI WEA) that draws hundreds and spotlights 12 DEI leaders and organizations in a variety of categories. New this fall, Kara will be leading the Chamber’s partnership efforts called BetterCulture; a self-guided video series that helps organizations understand the 56 tenants of what helps to create a strong culture.

Tom Florian has been a leader with the WDM Chamber since April of 2021 where he started in the role of director of membership and growth. On July 1, 2022, Tom will be promoted to senior director of membership and strategic marketing.
 
“I am very appreciative to receive this opportunity for continued growth and leadership with the WDM Chamber,” said Florian. “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the WDM Chamber community for welcoming me with open arms and providing me the foundation to thrive the last 14 months. I am excited to continue telling the story of our city and community and continue positioning West Des Moines as the Best city to live, work, and play.”

“Tom has been involved in a wide variety of growth and marketing initiatives that have helped to position the WDM Chamber as one of the best in the nation,” said Harrington. “He continues to go above and beyond with everything he does including being instrumental in the development of the impactful West Des Moines Leads program, the Latino Trade Network, growth in chamber membership including 91 new members, strategic marketing initiatives for Raccoon River Rally, Best of the West, Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, and much more.”

Florian is highly involved in several community boards and initiatives including the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Board of Directors, Nominations Chair for the JDRF Greater Iowa Board of Directors, Drake University Central Iowa Regional Alumni Board of Directors’ Board Chair, an ex-officio member of the Drake University National Alumni Board of Directors, Des Moines Choral Society, and Umeri Drake University Alumni Choir.
 
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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is to champion all things West Des Moines by strengthening our area companies, providing personalized resources and attracting a top workforce to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. With 700+ members, we provide something for everyone. Learn more about the chamber and how to get involved at wdmchamber.org.