Simpson College hires longtime Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers as new president
Simpson College has hired a new president, and it's a familiar face to many in central Iowa.
Jay Byers, a 1993 graduate of Simpson, will be the school's 25th president when he takes office for the 2023-24 academic year, .
Byers will succeed retiring president Marsha Kelliher, who was hired in 2020.
Byers has worked for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, an economic and community development organization based in downtown Des Moines, for 18 years — the last 11 as president and CEO — and has been on the school's board of trustees since 2012.
He said he was "truly humbled and honored" for the opportunity.
“I never imagined I would have this incredible opportunity to lead the college I care about so deeply,” Byers said in the release. “... I am thrilled to be joining such an impressive community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and benefactors who make Simpson such a special place. Together, we can, and we will take Simpson to new heights of distinction."
Terry Handley, chair of Simpson's board, called Byers "the perfect choice."
“He has a fervent passion for Simpson’s mission and a distinguished history of game-changing, visionary leadership," Handley said in the release. "We are excited to see the innovative boldness he will bring to building on the significant strategic momentum created under President Kelliher."
A formal announcement on Byers' hiring will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, in Hubbell Hall on Simpson's Indianola campus.