Handley Named Acting President

Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley ’09 has been named acting president of Simpson College, effective immediately. Handley was unanimously appointed by the executive committee of the board, according to a campus announcement shared by Board Secretary Susan Voss ’76 today.

“I accept this responsibility with full confidence in our board, College leadership, faculty and staff to carry us through this extraordinarily difficult time,” said Handley. “As we continue to mourn the loss of President Byers together, one of the most important ways we can honor Jay is to ensure our students experience a strong finish to the academic year and that we appropriately celebrate the Class of 2025. That’s our focus right now.”

Handley joined Simpson’s board in 2015 and has served as its chair since 2021. He retired as president and CEO of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. in 2019, closing a career that spanned almost 40 years.

“Simpson is fortunate to have such an exceptional leader stepping into this critical transitional role,” said Voss. “The board has great confidence in Terry’s ability to ensure the College continues to build on the energizing momentum established under President Byers’ visionary leadership.”

Simpson trustee Deeanna Strable, president and CEO of Principal Financial Group, agrees.

“The board is confident that Terry is the right person to lead the College as acting president during this difficult time,” said Strable. “His deep commitment to Simpson, proven leadership, and enduring connection as an alumnus and board chair uniquely position him to guide our campus forward with compassion and strength.”

Today’s announcement also stated that longtime Simpson trustee and former chair Terry Lillis ’77 will assume Handley’s board responsibilities by moving into the role of acting board chair.

Handley will serve as acting president until the full board selects Simpson’s next president. No timeline has been set for that process. The board will explore and consider its best path forward during its May 16 meeting and provide an update following that gathering.