Adam Haselhuhn
Senior director of development, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Foundation
Age: 37
Education: University of Northern Iowa, B.A.; University of Northern Iowa, M.A.
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Led a $6.2 million fundraising campaign for John Stoddard Cancer Center.
Have served on the board of Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre, including in leadership roles as vice president and president.
Recognized by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy as a 40 Under 40.
Actively involved in the Des Moines theater and arts community.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Attending the Des Moines Public Schools growing up, specifically Hoover High School. Walking down the halls each day and being surrounded by different cultures, languages and communities made me a more well-rounded individual and significantly shaped my world view.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Don’t be afraid of new opportunities or challenges that unexpectedly present themselves to you.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I’d like to continue to advance and be a leader in the nonprofit sector of Des Moines. Continue to influence and encourage the thriving arts sector in our community.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
As a leader, I’m working to improve my own task management and delegation of responsibilities.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
I wish someone would have told me that it is OK to not have all the answers when you first start out. Maybe you don’t know what you want to do or how you want to do it. Just get started and put yourself out there.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Remembering to laugh! I try and bring laughter to any organization or workplace I’m involved with. Don’t take life so seriously and spread joy to those around you.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
Employers cannot expect employees to remain loyal to the company without first themselves treating employees with that same sense of loyalty and investment. People are not going to stay at a job anymore just because, unless they can see value and respect being offered in return.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I’d like to see Central Iowa leaders address water quality and rising cancer rates. This is a major issue impacting our community and will take generational change.
What’s one fun fact about you?
My family owned a movie store growing up.
Hobbies: Acting, going to the movies, Des Moines Young Artists' Theatre board member.
What is one word that best describes you?
Adaptable.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Burger from Lucky Horse.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Someone at the grocery store thought I was city council member Mike Simonson and wanted to complain about a zoning issue.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
The Arts Festival.
What is your go-to snack?
Diet Mountain Dew.