Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Mackenzie DeRoo Senior Director of Advocacy | Greater […]
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Mackenzie DeRoo
Senior Director of Advocacy | Greater Iowa City, Inc.
Age: 36
Family: Husband, Casey; sons, James, Leo and Philip
Residence: Iowa City, Iowa
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
Education: Concordia College — Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature. University of Iowa — Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
Who do you consider your local mentors?
Nancy Bird, president & CEO of Greater Iowa City, Inc.
Nancy Quellhorst, former president & CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Barbra Solberg, public policy strategist of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Best advice you ever received? My dad used to say, “Not to decide is to decide.” It’s a good reminder that indecision is itself a choice that can keep us from exciting opportunities or create even bigger problems down the road. Realizing that I’m choosing either way gives me courage to step out and take risks.
What do you consider your "big break" in your career, so far? In 2013, I had just completed my master's degree in comparative literature and was trying to pivot out of academia. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, only that I needed a job. Nancy Quellhorst, then the president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, saw my potential and hired me to lead member relations and sales for the organization. I discovered that I love working with businesses to solve problems and support the community and began a new career in economic development.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? I love bird watching! We have a bird feeder in our backyard, and I enjoy walking through Hickory Hill Park identifying birds with the Merlin app. I even have binoculars on my birthday list.
What’s the biggest issue facing the Corridor? We need to grow our workforce. I regularly interact with businesses that struggle to find people to fill open roles, which inhibits their ability to succeed and expand. Workforce is a complex issue, and we need to apply multiple approaches simultaneously, including attracting people to move to Iowa, retaining more students from our colleges and universities, and addressing needs like child care and public transportation so more people can get to work.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Education. My children are in the Iowa City Community School District, and I see firsthand how hard the teachers and staff work on behalf of every single student. It’s inspiring. What are your passions outside of the workplace? I love spending time with my husband and kids, or “Team DeRoo” as well call ourselves. We enjoy playing board games, impromptu ice cream runs, and reading bedtime stories. I also love singing and music and try to make the most of Iowa City’s vibrant arts scene. What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We want flexibility in how we do our work, but don’t mistake that for a lack of commitment. We are eager to make an impact in our workplace and community. What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50? I hope to raise my three boys to be kind, hardworking young men who are equipped to pursue their passions and committed to serving others.
