Derek Zarn
Director of marketing and communications, city of Urbandale
Age: 36
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Iowa State University
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I’m in my sixth year on the Urbandale Food Pantry board and my second year as board president, helping lead the organization through a pivotal growth chapter toward a larger, more community-centered model.
As director of marketing and communications for the city of Urbandale, I’ve modernized how local government communicates — making complex information clearer, more accessible and more useful to residents.
I’ve led practical digital improvements that reduce friction for residents trying to engage with their city.
I translate high-stakes public initiatives into plain language and compelling storytelling that builds trust, improves participation and helps people understand the real value behind public services.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
A high school job in a nursing home changed my perspective. I saw how quickly people can become invisible — and how powerful it is to be present, listen and treat someone with dignity. That experience is the root of why I’m drawn to public service.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
After college, I was set on the military. My mom, a Department of Defense employee, stopped me and said, apply to one other thing first. I applied to a local government role almost as a formality — then got hired. I didn’t realize it then, but that moment redirected my life.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to make local government the counterexample to cynicism — where residents can see decisions, understand tradeoffs and get results. If people are losing faith in institutions, I want our city to be the place that earns it back through competence and care.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m working to manage up more proactively — surfacing risks earlier, framing choices clearly, and pushing for crisp alignment — so momentum doesn’t die in ambiguity.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
In a community this size, your reputation moves faster than your résumé. Treat everyone like a future teammate — because they might be. Be prepared, responsive and kind when you’re “out in the wild” (events, meetings, socials). People remember how you made them feel.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I schedule weekly R&D blocks to experiment with emerging tools (AI, automation, etc.). That protected time keeps me ahead, so I’m not reacting to change.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That “government” is one thing. Local career public servants aren’t Washington — they’re your neighbors. Most are mission-driven people who care deeply about families, safety and quality of life, and they show up every day to make the community work.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Property tax policy that matches reality.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I have an identical twin. We look the same; the charisma didn’t split evenly.
Hobbies: Yoga, weight lifting and reading.
What is one word that best describes you?
Fun.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Adventurous.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Miracle on 86th Street.
What is your go-to snack?
Pizza.