West Des Moines Chamber Announces Inaugural Dan Houston West Young Professional Leader of the Year Award, Honors 2026 Recipient Jacob Repp

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and West YP have announced a new legacy partnership with Dan Houston, former President and CEO of Principal Financial Group, celebrating the impact of emerging leaders and strengthening the region’s commitment to developing the next generation of talent.

As part of this partnership, West YP has established the “Dan Houston West YP Leader of the Year Award,” an annual recognition honoring exceptional leadership, service, and community impact among young professionals in the Greater Des Moines region.
 
"It’s an honor to be associated with the West YP Leader of the Year award,” said Houston. “Jacob exemplifies an individual who has excelled as a successful professional serving his clients in addition to serving his community as a volunteer and champion for those in need."
  
The award’s inaugural recipient is Jacob Repp, whose leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to elevating young professionals have set a new standard for excellence. Repp was formally recognized at the WDM Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
 
“It’s an honor and humbling to accept an award named after someone who has done so much for our community,” said Repp. “Dan Houston has lived his life as the best example of leadership I have seen in my lifetime.”
 
A Legacy Partnership for the Future of Leadership
The collaboration with Houston underscores the Chamber’s shared commitment to cultivating leaders who strengthen the region’s economic development, civic engagement, and long-term growth.
 
“This annual award is a way to recognize future leaders who go above and beyond for their community,” said Evan Guest, Chair of West YP. “By linking the reputation of an amazing leader like Dan Houston and the innovative and inspired young professionals in West YP, I hope to create a legacy for years to come.”
 
To learn more about West YP, visit wdmchamber.org/west-yp/.
 

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About West YP
West YP, the largest young professional program in Iowa, is part of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and is developed by young professionals for young professionals. Our pillars of success aim to create a Welcoming environment, offer new Experiences, build Service-focused leaders, and be Transformative in the careers of young professionals to strengthen the region’s workforce and civic landscape. The WEST in West YP stands for - Welcoming, Experiences, Service, and Transformation.
 
About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
Recognized by ACCE (Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives) as one of the top Chambers in the nation, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is the largest, most active chamber in the Greater Des Moines region. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, boosting economic development, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating over a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 1000 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines and our entire region at wdmchamber.org.