Mills Named Vice President of Business and Finance

Simpson College has selected Bret L. Mills as its new vice president for Business and Finance. He will begin his duties Dec. 18.

His 35-year professional portfolio includes appointments to three senior leadership positions by two Iowa governors and the Iowa Treasurer of State. He served as Iowa’s deputy treasurer from 1994 to 2003, before joining the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) as CFO. In 2005, Gov. Tom Vilsack tabbed Mills to lead the IFA as executive director. In 2010, Mills was selected by Gov. Chet Culver to become the director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Since 2012, Mills has served as president of Conlin Properties Inc., in Des Moines, where he oversees accounting, finance, and development activities for the company’s property management and real estate development consisting of 5,000 units.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have someone of Bret’s caliber joining our Simpson team,” said President Jay Byers. “He is a highly collaborative and effective leader with a proven track record of achieving positive results. Bret’s wealth of experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the College as we continue to develop and implement forward-looking financial strategies to ensure Simpson’s prosperous future.”

A Certified Public Accountant, Mills earned a Bachelor of General Studies in communications, journalism and business from the University of Iowa. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from Drake University.

“This is a great opportunity to be part of this special place,” said Mills. “The students, faculty and staff are truly amazing. Simpson has always been one of Iowa’s treasured gems and there’s tremendous energy and momentum here right now under President Byers’ leadership. I’m excited to be part of it all — I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get started.”