Anna Stoermer
Executive vice president, chief marketing officer, Hy-Vee Inc.
Age: 35
Husband: Cody Stoermer
Children: Cohen Stoermer, Mira Stoermer
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
In 2023, I led one of the company's biggest initiatives yet, launching the new Hy-Vee Perks loyalty program to help customers save even more at Hy-Vee on everyday grocery items.
I helped form a strategic partnership between Hy-Vee and the national Feeding America organization to support Feeding America food banks and their network of pantries across the Midwest, including those that support Iowans, like Food Bank of Iowa, River Bend Food Bank, HACAP Food Reservoir, Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Food Bank for the Heartland.
I spearheaded a new pricing program that rolled out across the company that focused on promoting everyday, competitive low prices to customers.
I helped plan, organize and prepare Hy-Vee IndyCar weekend, which featured four A-list entertainers, 80,000 race and music fans and a three-day festival in the middle of Iowa.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
My biggest passion is having an impact on people, whether it be helping them provide for their family, leadership development, or teaching business strategy or best operational practices. My main goal is to make sure that people who I have interacted with have learned something, and I have made them better at their job or have positively impacted them as a person.
What are your goals in your role at work?
My goals are to drive impact. To work hard every day to positively impact people, sales and revenue, business strategy and the efficiency of systems needed to keep the business successful.
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
My goals outside of work are to be a good wife, mother and dedicated member of the community. I want to focus on being a servant to everyone around me, whether it be family, friends or the community. I want them to know that I am there to help them reach their potential and, most of all, feel loved.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
My parents raised me to have a strong work ethic. Day in and day out, I watched them work hard to serve their family, kids and community. They would always tell us that “working hard is not a bad thing” and then demonstrated what hard work could result in: relationships, rewards and endless opportunities. They both had careers that were fulfilling to them, and it was inspiring to observe. It has pushed me to find that same joy for myself.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My goal for the future is to drive Hy-Vee forward in a positive direction and make an impact in the communities we serve. In my career, I want to be a force in developing leaders and teams that stay interested and curious. Outside of work in my personal life, I want to enjoy all of life's moments and not let them pass me by, especially the ones with my family.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
In order to be successful, you have to stay interested and curious about your line of work. Find a career you are passionate about, and when you love what you do, putting in the hard work is easier. Nothing in life comes easy, and the journey will likely not be fair; face the adversity head on and always be the one to raise your hand for a challenge. Overcoming the challenge may be the very thing that sets you apart.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I think we should influence the development of young leaders and find ways to engage a new generation in networking opportunities. How do we get people under the age of 35 to engage on boards and help local communities keep them engaged with the community while also growing their careers?
What's one fun fact about you?
The longest I have ever lived in one community is for five years. As a child, we moved around frequently, and this has been the case for my adult life as well. We have lived in several areas, and this is my third time living in the Des Moines area; we are happy to call it home.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling and running.
One word that describes you: Driven.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Fresko.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “New Heights” podcast from Jason and Travis Kelce.
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
Des Moines Civic Center.
Is there anything else people should know about you?
Having a servant heart and a lens of love in any situation is an important focus in my life.