We are proud to present our keynote speakers for the 2021 Iowa Ideas conference. Please check back for further updates and announcements as we reveal the remaining speakers!
Opening Keynote
Opening Keynote Speaker, October 14, 2021
David Gould
Visiting Associate Professor
@ U of Iowa's Public Policy Center
About David
David Gould is a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center.
For over a decade, the focus of Mr. Gould’s work has revolved around reimagining higher education, and in turn, he has created a number of distinctive university courses concentrated on issues of meaning and community engagement.
These courses have garnered considerable media attention and professional recognition. From 2010 – 2020, graduating seniors at the University of Iowa have recognized Mr. Gould as one of the top faculty and staff members “who has had a positive effect on their life.” Mr. Gould was awarded the 2020 Honors Teaching Award and 2019 David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award in Service to The University of Iowa.
Visiting Associate Professor
@ U of Iowa's Public Policy Center
Friday Keynote
Friday Morning Keynote, October 15, 2021
Thomas Abt
Author•Speaker•Senior Fellow, Council on Criminal Justice
About Thomas
Thomas Abt teaches, studies, and writes about the use of evidence-informed approaches to address violent crime and other public safety problems. He is the author of Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence - and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets, published by Basic Books in June 2019.
Abt is a Senior Fellow with the Council on Criminal Justice in Washington, DC and chairs its Violent Crime Working Group. Prior to the Council, he served as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy and Law Schools. Before that, he held leadership positions in the New York Governor's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Abt’s work has been featured in major media outlets, including the Atlantic, the Economist, Foreign Affairs, the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, and National Public Radio. His TED talk on saving lives by stopping violence has been viewed more than 190,000 times.
Author•Speaker•Senior Fellow, Council on Criminal Justice
Closing Keynote
Closing Keynote Speaker, October 15, 2021
Peggy Whitson
Iowa Native • Former Nasa Astronaut
First Female Space Station Commander
About Peggy
Peggy Whitson has over 35 years in space and science experience with NASA and as a consultant. During that time, she has held various positions, including Chief of the Astronaut Office, Commander of the International Space Station (twice), Chair of the Astronaut Selection Board, Science Officer, Operations Branch Chief, Deputy Division Chief for both Medical Sciences and the Astronaut Office, and co-chair of the US/Russian Mission Science Working Group. She is currently consulting with Axiom Space and training as the backup Commander for the first Axiom Commercial space flight to the ISS.
Whitson has flown on three long duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS) (Expeditions 5, 16, 50/51/52) and has more cumulative time in space than any US astronaut and more than any woman in the world (665 days). She has conducted 10 Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA, spacewalks) with over 60 hours to her credit, and performed hundreds of research experiments on board the ISS.
Iowa Native • Former Nasa Astronaut
First Female Space Station Commander
Iowa Ideas Featured Speakers
In the coming days and weeks leading up to the full Iowa Ideas conference on October 14-15, we invite you to return and read more about the featured speakers and panelists you'll engage with as we explore topics relevant to our communities and Iowa's future.
Kelly Garcia
Kelly Kennedy Garcia serves as the Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS). Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Garcia to oversee the state's health and social services agency in November 2019. She was unanimously confirmed by the Iowa Senate on February 26, 2020. On June 30, 2020, it was announced that Garcia would take on the role of interim Director at the Iowa Department of Public Health effective August 1, 2020.
Throughout her career, Garcia led improvements in organizational structure, program management, and policy development to large health care systems. She also brings to the role a commitment to building successful teams that will help Iowa families succeed.
Governor Kim Reynolds
Governor Kim Reynolds is the 43rd governor of Iowa and has the distinction of being the first woman elected to the state’s highest office. She has a long record of public service which also includes serving as Lieutenant Governor, State Senator and Clarke County Treasurer. Governor Reynolds’ strong conservative values are reflected in her priorities for Iowa. Under her leadership, Iowans have benefitted from:
· The largest tax cut in state history and continued tax reform; · Record investments in public education; · Increased access to mental health care; and · Aggressive workforce policy initiatives that will keep Iowa’s economy strong.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Governor Reynolds maintained a balanced approach to protect the health, lives and livelihoods of all Iowans. Iowa’s health care system remained stable, our economy remained open for business, and our schools reopened in August for the start of a new academic year. Iowa now ranks first in the nation for the fastest COVID-19 recovery.
Opening Keynote Speaker, October 14, 2021David Gould
Friday Morning Keynote, October 15, 2021Thomas Abt
Closing Keynote Speaker, October 15, 2021Peggy Whitson
