Byers Recognized as Character Champion

President Jay Byers received the Character Champion Award at the 2023 Iowa Character Awards held Friday, July 28, at Prairie Meadows Event Center in Des Moines. Hosted by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, the awards ceremony honored 11 Iowa individuals and groups for their exceptional character.

Byers earned his character award for being a “passionate advocate for civility and ethical leadership…(who) believes that Central Iowa is better when public, private, and nonprofit leaders work well together despite differing beliefs.”

Byers, who came to Simpson after 18 years of executive leadership for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, championed The Partnership’s role in the creation of the first regional strategic plan in the country to elevate civility as an actionable item. The initiative led to numerous collaborative efforts with The Ray Center to distinguish Central Iowa as a home for best practices in civility.