Iowa’s economic recovery plan is about more than yesterday’s goals. It’s a new opportunity to build a better Iowa, elevate how we do business, modernize how we work and learn, and further improve our quality of life.
When Iowa closed its books for fiscal year 2019, the state had a budget surplus of $289.3 million, cash reserves were full, and unemployment was among the lowest in the country. Our strong fiscal and economic health prior to COVID-19 will help drive our recovery from its impact.
So will the relentless determination and uncommon resilience of Iowans who believe that obstacles create opportunities.
Our economic recovery plan is about more than yesterday’s goals. It’s a new opportunity to build a better Iowa, elevate how we do business, modernize how we work and learn, and further improve our quality of life.
The Governor's Economic Recovery Advisory Board
On June 18, 2020, Gov. Reynolds signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 on Iowa’s industries, businesses and workforce, analyze recovery efforts, and recommend strategies that ensure the future prosperity of our state for all Iowans.
Board Members
Ben McLean, Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board Chair and CEO of Ruan Transportation, Des Moines
Robin Anderson, Chief Economist and Administrator of the Iowa Department of Revenue’s Research & Policy Division
Mary Andringa, Chair of the Board, Vermeer Corporation, Pella
Nick Bowdish, President and CEO, Elite Octane, Atlantic
Tim Bower, President, Flint Cliffs Manufacturing, Burlington
Randy Edeker, CEO and Chairman, Hy-Vee, West Des Moines
Rosalind Fox, Factory Manager, John Deere Des Moines Works
Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City
Dan Houston, Chairman, President and CEO, Principal Financial, Des Moines
AJ Loss, President and CEO, Bush Construction, Davenport
Megan McKay, President, Peace Tree Brewing Company, Knoxville
Emily Schmitt, General Counsel, Sukup Manufacturing, Sheffield
Barbara Sloniker, Executive Vice President, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, Sioux City
Adam Wright, President and CEO, MidAmerican Energy, Des Moines
Diane Young, Director of Technical Services, Foundation Analytical Lab, Cherokee
See the Economic Recovery Advisory Board schedule
Working Groups
Working groups dedicated to specific areas that influence Iowa’s economy will assist the Advisory Board in coordinating a comprehensive recovery and growth effort.
Agriculture -- Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, with co-chairs Nick Bowdish and Diane Young
Connectivity -- Annette Dunn, Chief Information Officer, Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer, with chair Dan Houston
Economic Growth -- Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, with co-chairs Adam Wright and Megan McKay
Education -- Dr. Ann Lebo, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, with chair Rosalind Fox
Government -- Kraig Paulsen, Director of the Iowa Department of Revenue, with co-chairs Barbara Sloniker and Emily Schmitt
Public Health and Health Care -- Kelly Garcia, Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services and Interim Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, with co-chairs Randy Edeker and Suresh Gunasekaran
Workforce -- Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, with co-chairs Mary Andringa and AJ Loss
The Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board meetings and information are open to the public.
Submit an Economic Recovery Idea
Iowans are invited to submit their ideas to strengthen the state’s economy. All submissions will be reviewed and viable ideas will move on for further consideration by the Advisory Board.