We're proud to announce our 2022 Keynote speaker, Simon Estes!
Iowa Native • Internationally-acclaimed Bass Baritone
Here's a look at our keynote speakers from the 2021 Iowa Ideas conference.
Visiting Associate Professor
@ U of Iowa's Public Policy Center
Author • Speaker • Senior Fellow, Council on Criminal Justice
Iowa Native • Former Nasa Astronaut
First Female Space Station Commander
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.