The Iowa Association of Business and Industry has elected Kathryn Kunert, vice president of economic connections and integration at MidAmerican Energy, to chair its Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term.
Ms. Kunert, a Mason City native and University of Northern Iowa graduate, has spent three decades at MidAmerican Energy, where she leads efforts to strengthen ties between businesses, communities and economic development partners statewide.
She has held leadership roles with a range of statewide organizations, including the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Iowa Innovation Corporation, the Future Ready Iowa Alliance and the Cultivation Corridor. Ms. Kunert previously chaired the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board of Directors and has been named a Woman of Influence and Forty Under 40 honoree by the Business Record, which later recognized her as a Forty Under 40 Alumnus of the Year.
“Kathryn is an accomplished business leader who understands the importance of building strong partnerships and creating opportunities for Iowa employers,” said Nicole Crain, ABI president in a statement. “She has spent her career bringing together business, community and government leaders to advance Iowa’s economy. Her collaborative leadership and strategic perspective will help guide ABI as we continue advocating for a strong business climate and a vibrant economy.”
ABI members also elected the following officers to the 2026-27 Executive Committee:
- Vice chair: Tim Bianco, Iowa Spring Manufacturing Inc. (Adel)
- Treasurer: Nate Weaton, Weaton Companies (Fairfield)
- Secretary: Mike Espeset, Story Construction (Ames)
- Immediate past chair: Kellan Longenecker, General Mills (Avon)
Brad Nielsen of Iowa American Water (Davenport) and Gretchen Spear of International Paper (Cedar Rapids) will return to the Executive Committee. Newly elected members are Stacey Pellett of John Deere (West Des Moines), Eric Moerman of Interstates (Sioux Center) and Andrew St. John of CIPCO (Des Moines).
Four new members joined ABI’s Board of Directors:
- Jill Bidwell, Emerson (Marshalltown)
- Devin Boyer, Nicolet National Bank (West Des Moines)
- Tom Mangan, Sukup Manufacturing Company (Sheffield)
- Scott Schurman, Downing Construction (Indianola)
