Executives in Residence

Paula Bell, CEO Paula A Bell Consulting, LLC

Expertise: Primary- IT Business Analyst, Consultant, Leadership Development

Paula has 20+ years of experience in corporate America in project roles including business analyst, requirements manager, business initiatives manager, business process quality manager, technical writer, project manager, developer, test lead and implementation lead. Paula has experience in a variety of industries including media, courts, manufacturing, and finance.  She has led multiple highly visible multi-million-dollar technology and business projects to create solutions to transform businesses as a consultant, senior business analyst, or manager. Currently, as CEO of Paula A Bell Consulting, LLC, she guides individuals to find their passion, build their brand, and enhance their skill sets through consultations, coaching and customizable documentation.

Paula is active in her community as she is the Community Representative for the Polk County Restorative Justice Program, Administrator for the Trenches program at Hip Hope Inc., member of the United Way Safe and Thriving Youth Steering Committee, Administrator for FOCUSS organization, Karate Instructor, Chapter  President of Nu Mu Zeta Chapter and State of Iowa Secretary, and Committed Member of Women Who Win National Initiative of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as well as volunteers for many different community events.

Paula received her BS in Management Information Systems from Oral Roberts University.

Becki Drahota, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mills Marketing

Expertise: Primary – Marketing, Organizational Strategy, and Leadership/Management

Becky started Mills Marketing in 1975, and she's as immersed in the business today as when she opened the doors. Her excitement about working in an industry she believes in, with people she cares about and smart and dedicated clients, is contagious. When not transforming data points into excellent solutions for Mills' clients, Becki speaks to bankers and directors nationwide, teaching leadership skills and facilitating strategic plans.

Tory Flynn, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hillenbrand
Expertise: Primary – ESG/Sustainability, Corporate Communications, and Government Affairs

Tory Flynn was named Hillenbrand’s first Chief Sustainability Officer in March 2021. Tory helps drive top-tier sustainability performance at Hillenbrand, including recognition by MSCI for AA rating and Reuters recognition of Hillenbrand as a Responsible Business, and has developed innovative partnerships. Tory first joined Hillenbrand in 2015, where she led the implementation of the company’s global corporate responsibility strategy, culminating in the signing of the United Nations Global Compact in 2019. In her role, she leads corporate sustainability reporting, sets strategy, and works closely with stakeholders. In 2022, she was recognized globally as one of the top 50 Women in Sustainability-by-Sustainability X Magazine. She received her BA in Political Science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and her MA in Management from Ball State University.

Mark Helvick, Founder & President, Strategic Consulting Resources
Expertise: Primary- Healthcare, Insurance, and Strategic Planning.

Mark has 35+ years of business experience with both public and private companies as a controller, chief financial officer, vice president, senior vice president, and president. Mark is a graduate of Drake University with a degree in accounting and actuarial science.

Annette Jorden
Expertise: Primary- Leadership Management, Organizational Strategy

Annette has more than 20 years of experience in finance, banking, insurance, manufacturing and senior living industries. Currently, as Director of Talent Development at LCS, she leads a team of talent development professionals who design, implement, and facilitate leadership development programs and trainings for employees across the company. Annette chairs the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Inclusion Council which focuses on topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across the greater Des Moines metropolitan area.

Becky Massman, Cline Tool
Expertise: Primary – Accounting, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship

Jenny McCoy, Executive Director, Dotdash Meredith
Expertise: Primary – ESG, Environmental, and Community Relations

Jenny is the Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations for Dotdash Meredith. In this capacity, she manages corporate contributions, volunteerism, and sponsorships. She also liaises with IAC, the parent company of Dotdash Meredith, on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities. Before her current position, Jenny served as Executive Director of ESG for Meredith Corporation, building its inaugural ESG program. She received her BA in Journalism/Mass Communications with minors in French and Political Science from Iowa State University and an MBA from Drake University's Zimpleman College of Business. She is Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Karen Ovseyevitz, President, Latin America, Porter Novelli
Expertise – Primary: Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications

Karen has more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications and public relations. She is responsible for the agency's Latin America network, overseeing the operation of 18 Porter Novelli agencies in the region and establishing working standards, business development, and training for all the regions. Karen has led the work for regional clients in the tech, healthcare, food, logistics and consumer sectors working with teams across Latin America. Karen graduated from the Technological Institute of Superior Studies of Monterrey-Mexico City campus with a degree in business administration – computer systems. Additionally, she completed an advanced management program at IPADE Institute in Mexico City.

Daniel Peterson, Retired Principal, ZS Associates
Expertise: Primary – Sales & Marketing, Data Analytics, and Healthcare

Dan retired from ZS Associates, a global professional services firm he joined as the fourth employee. Over the next 36 years, he helped to grow to over 14,000 employees in 35 offices in 15 counties. Dan received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Drake University in actuarial science and accounting and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He completed post-graduate programs at Harvard and Wharton.

Katie Seda, Compensation Director, LCS

Expertise - Primary: compensation consulting and program design, Secondary - HRIS management and leadership.

With over 20 years of diverse professional experience, Katie specializes in compensation consulting and design. Her expertise extends to leading teams of HRIS professionals, managing the maintenance, configuration, and optimization of HRIS systems. Katie is deeply passionate about people development and has taken on roles as a mentor, people leader, and adjunct professor, empowering others to grow in their careers.

Katie holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration with an HR emphasis from Drake University.

Julie Willse, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Greater Iowa Credit Union
Expertise: Primary – Finance, Organizational Strategy, and Leadership/Management

Julie has more than 15 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry, and most of her time has been spent in the non-profit financial cooperative space. She oversees the Greater Iowa Credit Union’s nine retail branch operations, marketing, and operational training teams. Julie received her BS degree in business from Montana State University. She has completed the leadership development program at Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Organizational Effectiveness program at Cornell University.