Iowa State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Iowa State University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, policy development, academic advancement, and student organization governance.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, Iowa State University fosters a transformative environment for students through land-grant initiatives and global engagement opportunities.

Leadership Roles at Iowa State University

  • President - Adam Theis
  • Consulting Club President - Kyle Almgren
  • President - Mark Power
  • Fishing Club President - Erik Rissmann
  • President, The Communication Studies Club - Jackson Sperry
  • President - Abby Johnson
  • President - Raymond Pepera
  • Chief of Staff - Jonathan Shaeffer
  • Senior Policy Advisor & Chief of Staff - Tim Day
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment - Julie Larson
  • Adam Theis - President

    Adam Theis, the President at Iowa State University, provides executive leadership for the university's alumni association and broader institutional outreach. Theis directs engagement strategies that connect graduates with current students, facilitating mentorship and internship pathways. As the President, Theis oversees the governance of alumni-focused programs, ensuring that these initiatives support the university's land-grant mission. Adam Theis also coordinates with university leadership to promote the value of undergraduate research and global study programs to the broader community. By fostering a robust network of supporters, the President enhances the institution's ability to provide meaningful student experiences. This leadership role involves managing organizational growth and ensuring that alumni contributions align with current academic priorities. Through active community engagement, Theis strengthens the university's reputation and secures long-term support for the institution's diverse educational and research-driven objectives.
    Adam Theis

    Kyle Almgren - Consulting Club President

    Kyle Almgren, the Consulting Club President at Iowa State University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on professional development and business strategy. Almgren organizes workshops and case competitions that prepare students for careers in management consulting and corporate strategy. As the Consulting Club President, Almgren facilitates connections between student members and industry professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities. Kyle Almgren also manages the club's internal operations, ensuring that all activities align with the university's goal of fostering career readiness. By providing practical experience in problem-solving and analytical thinking, the Consulting Club President supports the university's mission of preparing students for the global workforce. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors and external firms to bring real-world business challenges to the campus. Through these efforts, Almgren enhances the professional capabilities of the student body and promotes the university's commitment to experiential learning.

    Mark Power - President

    Mark Power, the President at Iowa State University, leads specialized academic or administrative units focused on institutional governance and student advocacy. Power oversees the strategic direction of these units, ensuring that all activities support the university's core mission of public education and research. As the President, Power manages internal resources and coordinates with other campus leaders to address student needs and academic requirements. Mark Power also represents the organization in university-wide forums, advocating for policies that enhance the student experience. By driving operational excellence within the unit, the President ensures that programs remain relevant and impactful. This leadership role involves balancing administrative duties with the need for continuous improvement in service delivery. Through effective management and strategic vision, Power contributes to the overall success of the university's land-grant mission and its commitment to fostering a vibrant, research-oriented campus environment.
    Mark Power

    Erik Rissmann - Fishing Club President

    Erik Rissmann, the Fishing Club President at Iowa State University, directs student engagement programs focused on outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Rissmann organizes club activities that promote community building and physical well-being among the student body. As the Fishing Club President, Rissmann manages event logistics, membership outreach, and safety protocols for all club-sponsored outings. Erik Rissmann also coordinates with university student life offices to ensure that club operations comply with institutional policies. By providing opportunities for students to connect with nature and each other, the Fishing Club President supports the university's goal of fostering a well-rounded student experience. This leadership role involves managing club finances and promoting participation across diverse student groups. Through these efforts, Rissmann enhances the campus culture and contributes to the university's mission of providing a holistic environment that balances academic rigor with personal development and extracurricular engagement.

    Jackson Sperry - President, The Communication Studies Club

    Jackson Sperry, the President, The Communication Studies Club at Iowa State University, leads academic-focused student organizations that enhance professional communication skills. Sperry organizes seminars and guest speaker events that bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice. As the President, The Communication Studies Club, Sperry facilitates collaborative projects that allow students to apply communication strategies to real-world scenarios. Jackson Sperry also manages the club's outreach efforts, ensuring that students from various disciplines can participate in professional development activities. By fostering a community of practice, the President, The Communication Studies Club supports the university's mission of preparing students for successful careers. This leadership role involves coordinating with the communication department to align club activities with academic curricula. Through these initiatives, Sperry strengthens the student body's ability to communicate effectively and contributes to the university's reputation for producing career-ready graduates.

    Abby Johnson - President

    Abby Johnson, the President at Iowa State University, oversees student-led initiatives that promote campus involvement and leadership development. Johnson coordinates with various student organizations to ensure that campus life remains vibrant and inclusive. As the President, Johnson manages the strategic planning for student-focused events and advocacy efforts. Abby Johnson also serves as a liaison between the student body and university administration, ensuring that student perspectives are considered in institutional decision-making. By fostering a culture of engagement, the President supports the university's mission of providing a comprehensive educational experience. This leadership role involves managing organizational resources and promoting participation in university-wide programs. Through effective communication and collaborative leadership, Johnson enhances the student experience and contributes to the university's goal of fostering a supportive and active campus community that prepares students for future success in their respective fields.

    Raymond Pepera - President

    Raymond Pepera, the President at Iowa State University, directs the operations of student-led organizations dedicated to academic and professional growth. Pepera manages the strategic initiatives of the organization, ensuring that all activities align with the university's commitment to student success. As the President, Pepera coordinates with faculty and staff to provide students with access to research opportunities and professional development resources. Raymond Pepera also oversees the club's budget and membership recruitment, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization. By creating a platform for student collaboration, the President supports the university's mission of fostering an environment where students can excel both inside and outside the classroom. This leadership role involves balancing administrative responsibilities with the need for innovative programming. Through these efforts, Pepera enhances the student experience and contributes to the university's reputation as a premier institution for academic and personal development.

    Jonathan Shaeffer - Chief of Staff

    Jonathan Shaeffer, the Chief of Staff at Iowa State University, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure institutional alignment with land-grant mission objectives. Shaeffer manages complex internal workflows, facilitating communication between academic departments and executive leadership to streamline decision-making processes. By optimizing resource allocation across campus, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to undergraduate research and internship accessibility. Jonathan Shaeffer also monitors the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that administrative functions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the student body. Through rigorous oversight of operational protocols, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of university governance. This role requires constant collaboration with diverse stakeholders to advance the institution's reputation for academic excellence. Ultimately, Shaeffer drives the administrative efficiency necessary to sustain the university's broad educational impact within the competitive landscape of public higher education.

    Tim Day - Senior Policy Advisor & Chief of Staff

    Tim Day, the Senior Policy Advisor & Chief of Staff at Iowa State University, architects institutional policy frameworks that govern academic and research activities. Day evaluates legislative impacts on public land-grant operations, ensuring compliance while advocating for university interests at the state and national levels. As the Senior Policy Advisor & Chief of Staff, Day bridges the gap between administrative mandates and faculty-led research initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to student success. Tim Day also directs strategic planning efforts, aligning university resources with long-term growth goals. By analyzing complex regulatory environments, the Senior Policy Advisor & Chief of Staff mitigates institutional risk and enhances operational transparency. This leadership position involves frequent engagement with external partners to expand internship and study abroad opportunities. Through meticulous policy formulation, Day secures the university's position as a leader in public education and community-focused research.

    Julie Larson - Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment

    Julie Larson, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment at Iowa State University, manages institutional advancement strategies and administrative coordination. Larson oversees fundraising initiatives that support undergraduate research programs and student organization funding. As the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment, Larson cultivates relationships with alumni and corporate partners to secure financial resources for campus infrastructure and academic expansion. Julie Larson also aligns development goals with the university's broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. By directing philanthropic efforts, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment ensures that financial growth directly benefits student learning experiences and global study opportunities. This role requires balancing administrative oversight with aggressive development targets to sustain the university's competitive edge. Through strategic resource acquisition, Larson strengthens the institution's capacity to deliver impactful research and educational services to the diverse student population.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Iowa State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Iowa State University?
    Iowa State University is led by Adam Theis (President), along with executives such as Kyle Almgren (Consulting Club President) and Mark Power (President).
    Who is part of Iowa State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Iowa State University includes leaders such as Adam Theis (President), Kyle Almgren (Consulting Club President), Mark Power (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Iowa State University have?
    Iowa State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Iowa State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Iowa State University includes roles such as President, Consulting Club President, President, Fishing Club President, President, The Communication Studies Club.