BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman
The Honorable Robert D. Ray, Des Moines


Robert D. Ray served as president of Drake University until May of 1999. Previously, he served as Mayor of Des Moines. He retired in January 1997 as President and Chief Executive Officer of IASD Health Services Corp. (dba Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa). Ray is a noted leader in national health care issues, currently serving as co-chair of the National Leadership Coalition on Health Care. He also served as a member of the U.S. Surgeon General's Task Force on Mental Health and the Carter Center's Mental Health Advisory Board. Ray chaired the Advisory Committee on Rural Health for the DHS and Congress and was a member of the President's Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry. Prior to joining Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Ray was President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Investors, Inc., nka AEGON, Inc., a major insurance and financial services company. An attorney, Ray was a partner in a Des Moines law firm, Lawyer, Lawyer and Ray, for fourteen years before being elected Governor.

An Iowa native, Ray served five terms as Governor of Iowa from 1969 to 1983. He was Republican State Chairman.
Ray has been a U.S. Representative to the United Nations. He was Chairman of the National Governors' Association, Midwestern Governors' Association, Republican Governors' Association, Chairman of the Educational Commission of the States and a number of other national organizations.

An Army veteran, Ray earned degrees in Business Administration and Law from Drake University. He holds the Order of Coif distinction and is the recipient of honorary degrees from seventeen colleges and universities. He is a trustee for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. Ray was a member of the Iowa Business Council and served on the boards of directors of The Maytag Corporation, AEGON USA, Norwest Bank and Alliant Energy. He also served on the national board of the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA).

Ray served as the Chairman of the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission and is currently Chairman of the Institute for Character Development, focused on civility and character development in Iowa. He also serves as Chairman of the Iowa Child Project. He has received numerous awards for charitable and civic activities, including the National Volunteerism Award, the Variety Club of Iowa's Humanitarian Award, and Drake University's Distinguished Service Award. He has been inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame.

He was a founder of the Iowa Peace Institute, Sister States and the Iowa National Heritage Foundation. At the turn of the century, Ray was named "Most Influential Iowan".

Ray and his wife, Billie, live in Des Moines. They have three daughters and eight grandchildren.

Co-Chair
CJ Niles, Carroll


C.J. Niles has been an ICD board member for over four years. A strong proponent of workforce development and expanding opportunities for Iowans, C.J. has strong visions for Iowa's future. Niles was Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development from May 2000 to December 2002. Niles served as executive director of the Carroll Area Development Corporation and the Carroll Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. In this capacity, she oversaw county-side development, including a $30 million urban renewal project, business expansion and location projects. 

Niles is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and a member of Professional Developers of Iowa and Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives. She is also a previous business owner and teacher.

Other contributions to Iowa include serving as co-chair of the Vilsack/Pederson transition team and co-chair of the Governor's 21st Century Workforce Council. Prior to those leadership positions, she served on the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission Board of Directors, the Iowa Judicial Nominating Commission for district 2B and the Iowa Homecoming '86 Task Force.

Niles received a B.A.E. degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, and an M.S.E. from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.

"It is truly a pleasure to serve on a board that is really making a difference in Iowa. Although we emphasize character education for young people, all ages have benefited from the lessons of the Six Pillars. It gives me a great deal of pride to work with such a professional staff who are very enthusiastic about their jobs and the Institute's mission."

Dr. Don Adams, Des Moines
On July 1, 1969, Donald Adams was appointed Vice President for Student Life at Drake University.  In 1985, the title Vice President for Enrollment Management was added, and in January 1995, Dr. Adams assumed the position of Executive Assistant to the President, Secretary to the University and Legislative liaison.  Prior to coming to Drake University, Dr. Adams served ten years at Michigan State University where he was a member of the Vice President for Student Affairs staff as Director of Residence Hall programs.

Dr. Adams did his undergraduate work at the University of Northern Iowa and received his masters and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University.  He has served as Regional Vice President and President of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.  Dr. Adams has also received the outstanding alumnus award from the University of Northern Iowa, the Fred Turner Award for outstanding service to NASPA and was selected for the Scott Goonight Award from NASAP as the outstanding student affairs administrator in the United States.  In addition, he has served as a consultant-evaluator for the North Central Association since 1976.  He has also been a consultant for colleges and universities and continues as an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

James D. Aipperspach, Clive
Jim Aipperspach is the Director of Operations for the Great Ape Trust of Iowa, a scientific research facility in southeast Des Moines dedicated to the study of ape intelligence, language and culture. As Director of Operations, Aipperspach coordinates and supervises all non-scientific responsibilities at Great Ape Trust including accounting, administration, communications, fund-raising, grounds and maintenance, human resources and public safety.

Prior to joining Great Ape Trust, Aipperspach served as president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) for nearly ten years. Before his position at ABI, he was president of the United Way of Central Iowa from 1993-95. For 18 years, Aipperspach, a native of Bismark, ND, worked in the telecommunications industry with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and U.S. West, serving for seven years as vice presidnet and CEO for U.S. West operations in Iowa.

As a community leader, Aipperspach is a past-president of the West Des Moines Community School Board, where he served for nine years, former president of the Greater Des Moines Committee and former secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Business Council. He has served on the baord of directors for Mercy Hospital, Bankers Trust and the Iowa Telephone Association. Aipperspach currently serves on the board of the Iowa College Foundation, Institute for Character Development and Boy Scouts of America Mid-Iowa Council.

Marv Cook, Coralville


Marv Cook is utilizing his college degree, a Bachelors in Business Administration, in a field that has interested him for the past 15 years. Marv currently works as a financial advisor in Coralville, Iowa. Marv works with individuals to help them develop and implement strategies that will enable them to accomplish their specific needs and goals as safely and efficiently as possible. Marv is a graduate of West Branch High School where he earned 14 letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. Marv attended the University of Iowa, lettering four times in football. In 1987 and 1988 Marv was voted team MVP, and was Co-Captain in 1988. In 1988, Marv also led the Big Ten Conference in receiving and was a consensus All American Player. He is a two-time All Big Ten Player and an Academic All Big Ten Player. Marv played on the 1986 Rose Bowl Team, the 1986 and 1987 Holiday Bowl and the 1988 Peach Bowl.

In 1989, the New England Patriots of the National Football League drafted Marv in the third round. Twice he earned All-Pro status as a tight end with the Patriots. His showcase season was in 1991 when his career high receptions and yardage earned him Most Valuable Player for the Patriots. Marv also played for the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Rams.

Marv has many highlights of his football career. Among the best is a 28-yard touchdown reception on November 14, 1987 to beat Ohio State 29-27 with six seconds left. Other great memories include the first time Marv ran out of the Kinnick Stadium tunnel as a Hawkeye, the four bowl games he played in, being drafted in the third round and two Pro Bowl appearances in 1991 and 1992. 

Marv and his wife, Tracy, live in Iowa City with their three children, sons, Andrew and Ashton, and daughter, Logan.

Joy C. Corning, Des Moines
A desire to give students the opportunity to hear and interact with leaders in their respective fields from all over the world prompted University of Northern Iowa alumna and former Iowa Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning, to make a generous gift to the UNI Foundation's Students First campaign. The Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series will bring to campus renowned leaders in such areas as the arts, business, education, government and the judiciary.

Corning said her 25 years in elective offices gave her a myriad of experiences in interacting with leaders in various disciplines. She believes it is important for students to understand what makes a leader and how people become leaders.

The Iowa Committee on Diversity was formed in 1993 by then Lt. Governor Joy Corning. It was originally organized to address a series of racial incidents that had occurred in Iowa. Now living in Des Moines, Corning taught school in Greenfield and Waterloo, following her graduation from UNI with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. 

After serving six years in the Iowa Senate, Ms. Corning was elected Lieutenant Governor, serving for eight years. In addition to serving on the ICD Board, Joy serves on the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees, the UNI Performing Arts Center Advisory Board, the Des Moines Symphony, and the National Conference on Community and Justice. She is currently chairing a drive to raise money to build a chapel at the women's prison.

Randy Edeker, Waukee

Randy has been associated with Hy-Vee for 23 years. He started part-time at our Chariton food store. In 1983 Randy worked at Lincoln #2 as an Assistant Night Stock Manager, and later he became the Manager of the night stock crew. In 1984 Randy became Health and Beauty Care Manager and later moved to Shift Manager at Lincoln #3. In 1986 he moved to Davenport #1 as Shift Manager and a year later to the Milan Hy-Vee as the Second Assistant Manager.  In 1988 Randy moved to Kirksville, Missouri as the Assistant Manager. In 1993 Randy took over his first managerial duties as the Store Director at our Columbus, Nebraska store.

One year later Randy was selected by his peers to enter the Hy-Vee Hall of Fame as Store Manager of the Year. In 1995 Randy was selected Director of Operations for the Cherokee Division. In 1998 he was again chosen by his peers to enter the Hy-Vee Hall of Fame as Department Director of the Year. That same year, Randy was elected to serve a one-year term on the Hy-Vee Board of Directors. In 1999 Randy moved to the Director of Operations position for the Southern Region overseeing our Kansas City Market. In 2004, Randy was elected as Vice President, Marketing for Hy-Vee. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Randy currently serves on the boards of the following: Hy-Vee Board of Directors, The Meyocks Group and Midwest Heritage Bank Board. In the past, Randy has served on the boards of Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Florist Distributing and D&D Foods.

Randy and his wife, Dawn, have two children, Emily and Hilary. Randy loves time with his family and enjoys golf, watching football and training his German Shepard, Leopold.

Tarek Fahmy, Des Moines

Tarek joined the ICD board in December of 2006 after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Management, Business Administration. In June of 2006, he joined Wells Fargo Financial as a Loan Officer. Tarek was named to the Des Moines Register's list of influential business/civic leaders under the age of 40 and was a winner of the apprentice-like Four Hire! competition. Tarek is currently a member of the Young Professional's Connection. While at the University of Northern Iowa, Tarek served as the Student Body Vice President and was a member of several University Committees including the Presidential Search Committee, Student Services Fee Committee and the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council, among others.

Tarek served on the 2015 Strategic Plan Committee for the City of Cedar Falls and was a coach for the Cedar Falls High School Men's Soccer Program. In his free time, Tarek enjoys traveling with his parents Mohammed and Bahia, brothers Sharief and Ahmad, and sisters Mona and Nirmeen.

Duncan Gallagher, Des Moines

Duncan Gallagher has served as the Executive Vice President for Iowa Health System since 1998. Prior to joining Iowa Health System, he was a partner with KPMG Peat Marwick in Dallas, Texas. Duncan worked in healthcare consulting and accounting for KPMG for thirteen years. Additionally, Duncan worked with Health East, an integrated health system based in St. Paul, Minnesota for several years.

Duncan holds a BA in Accounting from the University of South Dakota and an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota.

Duncan also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. He and his family are members of Our Lady of Immaculate Heart in Ankeny. He and his wife, Pam, have been married for 23 years. Their son Rory and daughter, Carly attend Ankeny High School.

Jim Hallihan, Ames


On July 1, 1994, Jim Hallihan joined the staff of the Iowa Games and took over as the Executive Director on September 1.  Since Jim has been on board, the Iowa Games regional festivities have expanded with the addition of Storm Lake, Iowa City and Davenport.  In addition, Des Moines and Cedar Falls host regional festivals.  The Iowa Games Finals are held annually in mid-July in Ames. A native of Decatur, IL, Hallihan went on to a successful playing career at Miami (Ohio) University, where he was a two-year starter and team captain on the Redskin's NCAA Tournament team.  After a short stint as head coach at Casey (IL) High and a tour of duty in the Army, Hallihan joined the coaching staff at Virginia Tech.  In 1973, Virginia Tech won the N.I.T.  The 1974-75 Virginia Tech coaching staff was named one of the Top Ten College Coaching Staffs of all time by Mike Douhcant, of the College Sports Xchange.  After Virginia Tech, Hallihan joined the coaching staff at East Tennessee State. Hallihan joined Johnny Orr's staff at Iowa State University in August of 1982 after serving as head coach at East Tennessee State from 1979-1982, guiding the Bus to a 57-53 record.  Jim served as Johnny Orr's top assistant at Iowa State University for twelve years.  During that time, the Cyclones made six NCAA appearances and three N.I.T. appearances.

Since taking over the reigns of the Iowa Games, the number of sport offerings have increased from 31 to 43 and include nearly 25,000 athletes representing all of Iowa's 99 counties.  Jim spends a great deal of his time traveling the state of Iowa promoting the Games and the ICD.  His travels include a 100 stop media tour, as well as speaking engagements at sport clinics, schools, civic organizations, church groups and corporations.

For the past few years, Jim has hosted a radio show entitled, "Sports for the Right Reasons" where sportsmanship and character building are the focus for youth, parents and coaches.  On May, 2000, the Iowa Games staff and Jim were awarded the American Character Builder Award for creating and implementing an outstanding character development program.  Hallihan holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Miami in physical education and administration. He and wife Trish have two daughters, Jennifer and Kelly, and one son, Danny.

Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Des Moines

Since Sandy Hatfield Clubb has taken over as Director of Athletics, Drake has gained stature and prominence in the community and recognition nationwide.  Quickly and emphatically Hatfield Clubb has changed the landscape of Drake athletics, both figuratively and literally. A new era in Drake athletics began May 30, 2006, when Hatfield Clubb was named the school’s 16th athletic director.

Hatfield Clubb is the third woman to serve as athletic director in the Missouri Valley Conference. She is one of 25 women athletic directors at the 334 schools playing NCAA Division I basketball and the first in Iowa. 

Since her arrival to Des Moines, Sandy has immersed herself in the community.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way, Iowa Sports Foundation, Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission.  Additionally, she is a member of the Downtown Rotary and NEXUS Executive Women’s Alliance.

An avid swimmer and mountain climber, Hatfield Clubb grew up in Bethesda, Md., and her husband, Jeffrey Clubb, is a native of Sigourney, Iowa. They are the parents of two children - a son, Tristan, nine, and a daughter, Skyelar, six.
Hatfield Clubb earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas-El Paso. Upon graduation, she was assistant aquatics coach at Washington and Lee University from August 1989 through July 1990.


Laura Hollingsworth, Johnston


Laura is the President and Publisher of the Des Moines Register and lives in Johnston with her husband, John, and children Kayla, Kendall and Joshua. Laura received her BA in Communications and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior to the Des Moines Register, Laura was employed as Advertising Director for the Lansing State Journal in Michigan.

Some of Laura's hobbies include reading, travel, fitness, music and family. "I'm fascinated by the premise and possibility for change that CHARACTER COUNTS! is bringing and thrilled to become a part of it. A grassroots, preemptive management for behavior, civic-mindedness, and responsibility is very needed," says Laura. "I'm proud of Governor Ray and his commitment to such a legacy. I'm excited to work to help the ICD and character education move to the next level in Iowa."

Richard O. Jacobson, Des Moines
Dick is the Chairman of Jacobson Companies.

R. Michael Knapp, West Des Moines
R. Michael Knapp serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Realty Co. Inc.  His title represents the culmination of a successful 28-year career in real estate services and development in which he received numerous promotions and recognitions from his peers.

Mr. Knapp earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in marketing from the University of Iowa in 1972.  Upon graduation, he entered the real estate profession as a sales agent with Iowa Realty.  In 1977, he was promoted to manager of the company's largest sales office.  In 1984, he was named General Sales Manager of the residential division of Iowa Realty; and in 1991, he was promoted Senior Vice President.  Mr. Knapp was tapped as president and CEO in 1992. During his tenure as president of Iowa Realty, Mr. Knapp has negotiated several brokerage acquisitions that served to expand and diversify Iowa Realty's presence across the state.  In 1994, he led the acquisition of Carol Jones, Realtors of Springfield, Missouri, the No. 1 real estate brokerage in Southwest Missouri.  A year later, in 1995, Mr. Knapp negotiated the purchase of First Realty/Better Homes & Gardens in Des Moines, which had long been Iowa Realty's chief rival.  The transaction gave Iowa Realty an unprecedented market share among brokerage firms based in larger metropolitan areas.

Mr. Knapp's brokering talents took on a pivotal role in 1998 when AmerUs Group, the former owner of Iowa Realty and its affiliates, determined it would exit the real estate business.  Mr. Knap led the effort to identify a buyer that would best serve the needs of the company, its agents, employees, and the community.  He brought buyer and seller together in a transaction valued at more than $80 million.  Today, as part of Home Services.com, Inc., an affiliate of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, Mr. Knapp serves on the real estate holding company's board of directors.  In this role he works in tandem with the company's other real estate executives to implement best practice solutions and expand and diversify the company's geographic scope and product offerings. Within the real estate industry, Mr. Knapp has been recognized a superior brokerage operator.  He received the honor of "Realtor of the Year" in 1990 from the Des Moines Board of Realtors.  

Venessa Macro, Des Moines
Venessa is the Director of Human Resources for Drake University

Donna McAninch, West Des Moines
Donna is currently the Public Relations Coordinator for McAninch Corporation. She moved to West Des Moines in 1993 after many years in the Iowa Great Lakes Region working as the Marketing Director for, at that time, the newly renovated Arnold Amusement Park. Upon her arrival to the Des Moines area, she was first employed as the Marketing Director for Embassy Suites and soon after became Marketing Director for McAninch Corporation. Donna has been active in the Des Moines community on many levels and held various board and committee positions. She served on the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the YWCA Board of Directors, Drake Women's Basketball Steering Committee and Season Ticket Sales Committee, Glen Oaks Country Club Membership Committee, Glen Oaks Ladies Golf Association Chair, Dowling Catholic High School Band Aid Fundraising Committee and works as a volunteer at St. Francis of Assisi School.

Donna is married to Doug McAninch; they have two daughters, Heather and Rosie.

Drew McLellan, Clive


Drew McLellan has not only survived 20 years in the advertising and marketing arena, he's thrived in it. After working for several other agencies, including Young and Rubicam's CMF&Z, Drew created McLellan Marketing Group in 1995. At MMG, strategy and passion collide as they bring their unique style and practical smarts to life for their clients, small and large. Drew and his talented band of co-workers have developed a proprietary branding process that has helped propel their clients to the top of their game. Considered a national expert in branding for both for profit companies and the non-profit world, Drew is a highly sought after speaker and has given about a zillion presentations at national conferences, key note addresses, training for his peers in the profession, college students and even his daughter's seventh grade class.

What's so appealing about Drew that he can reach such a diverse audience? He's a straight shooter who talks about marketing in a way you won't forget. He tells stories, he gives you concrete examples and facts that you can take into the boardroom, and most importantantly, he gives you ideas that work. No matter who you are or what your level of expertise. Over the years, Drew has lent his expertise to clients like Nabisco, IAMS pet foods, Kraft Foods, Meredith Publishing, John Deere, Iowa Health System, Make-A-Wish, University of Central Florida, SkiDoo and a wide array of others.

When he's not out preaching the good word of branding, Drew spends time with his daughter and pondering why the Dodgers can't seem to get back to the World Series. Drew has a Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota but alas, he cannot remember their fight song.

Dr. Marion V. Panyan, Polk City


Dr. Panyan eared her degree at the University of Kansas in Developmental and Child Psychology.  She has developed graduate programs for teachers serving students with special needs both at Johns Hopkins University and more recently at Drake University. 

Dr. Panyan's research, teaching and service have focused on positive behavior support, multiple intelligences, assistive technology and applied behavior analysis.  Along with Dr. Carl Smith of the School of Education Resource Center she presently co-directs a state-wide PBS Alliance to implement school-wide positive behavior supports, new avenues of access to mental/behavioral health services for students, and dropout prevention programs.  She also serves as a mediator for the State of Iowa, so that differences between parents and school personnel may be resolved.

Dr. Panyon and her husband Steve have one adult son, Eric.  Marion and Steve live near Saylorville Lake and enjoy the beauty nature affords.

The Honorable Sally J. Pederson, Des Moines
Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson is a native of Vinton, Iowa and a graduate of Iowa State University.  She is a former executive at Meredith Corporation in Des Moines, where she was the senior food editor for Better Homes and Gardens.  She was elected Lt. Governor in 1998, and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2002. 

During her time in office and throughout her career, Lt. Governor Pederson has been a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities.  She is working to expand access to health care for children, ensure fair prices of prescription drugs for senior citizens, boost Iowa's Medicare payments from the federal government and create a wide variety of accessible living options for people with disabilities.  In March, the Lt. Governor hosted Iowa's first statewide Summit on Disability Housing.  Lt. Governor Pederson recently received the 2003 John F. Sanford Award from the Iowa Medical Society in recognition of her "dedicated and tireless efforts to improve the quality of health care in Iowa."
 
Lt. Governor Pederson served throughout her first term on the Executive Committee of the National Lieutenant Governors Association and is the current Chair of the National Democratic Lt. Governors Association.  She is the Chair of Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates, a program that helps at-risk high school students develop better study habits and job skills through supportive education, mentoring and community service.  Lt. Governor Pederson is also the honorary chair of the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, dedicated to recruiting mentors and connecting Iowa children and teens with supportive adult role models.

Alan Sprinkle, Grimes
Command Sergeant Major Retired Alan L. Sprinkle was born in Zion, IL. He entered the Army on Oct. 27, 1981 and attended Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort McClellan, AL. CSM Sprinkle's duty assignments include 984th MP Company Fort Carson CO; 501st MP Company, Bamberg Germany; Platoon Sergeant, 10th MP Company Fort Drum NY; Recruiter, Appleton WI; Recruiter Trainer, New Berlin Recruiting Company; Station Commander Greenfield Recruiting Station and Waukesha Recruiting Station; First Sergeant Milwaukee Recruiting Company; First Sergeant Iron Mountain Recruiting Company; Sergeant Major, Chaplain Operations Support, Fort Bliss TX; Command Sergeant Major Des Moines Recruiting Battalion.CSM Sprinkle's military and civilian education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course; Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Courses; First Sergeant's Course; Recruiter School; Station Commander Course; Airborne School; Ranger School; Winter Warfare Instructor Qualification Course; a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, class #50; the United States Army Command Sergeant Majors course; the United States Army Recruiting Command Sergeant Majors course.

CSM Sprinkle holds a Bachelor of Science-Arts Degree from Excelsior College, Albany NY. CSM Sprinkle's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal (5th OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (3rd OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), the Legion of Merit, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Gold Recruiter Badge, the Recruiter Ring, the Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings.

Alan is married to the former Ms. Laurie Witt of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. They have two sons; Benjamin and Joshua. 

Dean Summa, West Des Moines
Dean is a Regional Sales Director for World Narrowcasting Corporation.