Iowa has lost a transformative figure. Jay Byers, the longtime President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, whose work played a pivotal role in the state’s economic growth and development, passed away unexpectedly on April 17th at the age of 54. Most recently he was the President at his alma mater Simpson College in Indianola. After he didn’t show up at the office that day, a wellness check found him deceased in the residence provided for university presidents.

His leadership shaped the trajectory of Greater Des Moines and the entire state. But before he became a statewide force, Jay Byers’ story began in Northwest Iowa. Born in Cherokee, his connection to this region ran deep. He lived in Meriden attended Meriden-Cleghorn elementary and part of high school, before moving to Manson in high school.

Jay Byers spearheaded unprecedented growth at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, representing 11 counties and thousands of members. His leadership was instrumental in major regional initiatives like the ICON Water Trails, and the new Des Moines International Airport terminal, which significantly transforming the Greater Des Moines area into a leading Midwest metro for population, GDP, and job growth.

He also made a significant impact as President of Simpson College, achieving the largest first-year student enrollment in over a decade during his first year.

While his professional life centered in Des Moines, Jay Byers often visited friends and family and boasted about the impact of his Northwest Iowa upbringing.

A celebration of Jay Byers’ life will be held on Friday, April 25th at 10:30 a.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, located at 1501 Woodland Avenue in Des Moines