CEO Panel - Hosted By: Urbandale Chamber GenYP

Make connections that count! The CEO Panel is designed to connect Young Professionals with successful and interesting individuals within the Des Moines region. Attendees will have the chance to speak in small groups with each of our five CEOs to ask their questions about leadership, career paths, cultivating great company culture, and more. This event is designed to get your questions answered about what it means to be a business leader and the unique challenges they face. Don't miss this popular event and your chance to get your leadership questions answered! Check out our line-up of CEOs for the 2024 genYP CEO Panel!

Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa Bridget Cravens-Neely is Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSCI). Prior to this, Bridget had a successful 30-year career in the insurance industry. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Illinois State University and a Masters of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Keller Graduate School of Management. Bridget is a thought leader who is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and innovative. She is very passionate about mentorship and helping all young people achieve their full potential. At BBBSCI, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of their values and mission. Courtney De Ronde, CEO  Forge Financial & Management  Courtney is the CEO of Forge Financial & Management Consulting. She is also the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System. Courtney helps business and nonprofit leaders use a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development so they can fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same. With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Jane Nady, CEO  Imperfect Pathways Jane Nady is a dedicated advocate for mental health, a coach, and a trailblazer in the world of mental health, personal growth and resilience. With an unyielding commitment to empowering individuals to overcome adversity and unlock their full potential, Jane is the driving force behind Imperfect Pathways. Jane Nady's passion for advocacy, her personal journey of healing, and her wealth of experience have made her a trusted guide for individuals seeking transformation. Through Imperfect Pathways, she empowers others to embrace their imperfections, overcome adversity, and discover the limitless potential that resides within each of us.

Jeremiah Terhark, CEO  Webspec  Terry Nielsen, CEO & President Raccoon Valley Bank

Terry D. Nielsen has been Chief Executive Officer and President of Raccoon Valley Bank, and a member of its Board of Directors, since June 2012. A financial services veteran with more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the banking and financial industries, Terry served as Executive Vice President/Sr Lender of Shelby County State Bank from July 2004 to May 2012. He also was SVP of Washington State Bank from November 1993 to June 2004. Previously, he was President of the Community Bankers of Iowa from 2019-2021. He currently serves as President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa and Board Member of the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. Terry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morningside College and the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI. He lives in Perry with his wife Trisda.

Free for genYP members $10 for Chamber members $25 for non-members