Alicia Chilton
Vice president of marketing, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Age: 39
Education: Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University: major: journalism and mass communication, minors: design studies and apparel merchandising, design and production; Master of Business Administration, Drake University (expected graduation spring 2026)
Husband: Michael Chilton
Children: Grace and Graham
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I lead the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s national talent attraction and economic development digital marketing campaigns. I have increased website traffic by over 400% and implemented a lead capture and nurturing strategy to engage prospects interested in moving to the region, which has generated over 1,200 leads.
I led the relaunch of the Greater Des Moines Partnership website, developing an audience-first site structure, a refreshed interface and a focus on elevating content and storytelling.
I have taken on leadership roles related to something I care about: supporting kids and families in our community. I am the chair of the Polk County Early Childhood Iowa board and I served as the Parent-Teacher Association president for two years at my kids’ school.
I invest in caring for my community through things like being involved in my kids’ school, supporting the work of Des Moines Refugee Support and volunteering in the kids’ ministry at my church.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
My mom was a public school administrator and my dad was a pastor in the small town in Minnesota where I grew up. Watching them lead and care for others in our community with grace, kindness, wisdom, humility and commitment shaped what I aspire to be in the world.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
It’s OK to not have a five-year plan. This goes against every fiber of my methodical, strategic being, but it has led me to career steps that would have never been on my radar otherwise. It’s also helped me realize the importance of planning’s important companion, visioning.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Help Greater Des Moines reach 1 million in population through collective leadership and collaboration. This milestone will unlock economic development opportunities for further growth and flourishing in our region. It will take all of us working and innovating together with ambition, intentionality and strategic action.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I gravitate to details, strategy and outcomes. But a reading in one of my MBA classes emphasized that leaders need followers. As obvious as this is, it made me realize that maintaining surface-level relationships hinders achieving transformational leadership. I am working on being a little less guarded and more relational.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
When the voice in your head is unrelentingly critical, follow social psychologist and author Amy Cuddy’s advice: “Fake it until you become it.” Challenge that distorted voice with what’s true, even if it feels fake to do so. Eventually, the truth of who you are will become what you believe.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I write notes to myself and keep them on my to-do list. They are reminders of who I want to be or how I want to grow and anchor me back to purpose and truth. And color coding, spreadsheets, a binder and hand-written lists anchor me to stability and process.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That kindergarten is the starting line. Ninety percent of brain development happens in the first five years of life. Investing in creating stable, nurturing child care environments and programs and supporting families in those early years goes a long way to set up children (and our region) for success.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Continue investing in what makes Greater Des Moines a place people want to call home. Create innovative and healthy workplaces. Prove that we are a neighborly and caring community. Swing for the fences with big amenities. Nurture an unparalleled quality of life. Lead with data — but also with humanity. Tell our region’s story with authenticity (every word matters). Value connection and care. Keep centering policies and investments around families, communities and thriving futures.
What’s one fun fact about you?
More than half my wardrobe is thrifted. My greatest thrifting achievement is a pair of $1,300 pants I scored for $30.
Hobbies: Reading – fiction, biographies/autobiographies and history are my favorite genres. Gardening – I started a pollinator garden last year. Adventures near and far with my husband and kids
What is one word that best describes you?
Strategic.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
The preserved lemon salad at the Cheese Bar (followed by a cheese board, of course).
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
I was asked to help coach my 5-year-old son’s basketball team. I find this funny because while I am an expert kid-wrangler, I have no basketball experience or skills to speak of.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Shopping local during the holidays (and all year round).
What is your go-to snack?
Diet Coke and peanut butter pretzels.