Gregory Lin

Assessment coordinator
Drake University

Age: 34

Mentor: Cory Sharp, principal architect, FEH

Why he’s a Forty: He serves as president-elect for Young Professionals Connection. He is a member of the UnityPoint Health-Des Moines board of trustees. He is a class member of the 2021 Community Leadership Program of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. He serves on a national work group for the Grand Challenges in Assessment Project that works to address pressing challenges facing assessment in higher education. He has served on committees for the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the Des Moines Symphony. He has spoken for DART about his public transit experience and serves on the Transit Future Work Group.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

At Drake, I strive to create better systems and structures across all levels of the university that help faculty reflect on student learning and implement data-informed strategic decisions.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

For YPC, the board collectively works to connect young professionals in Des Moines to their passion and shows them that no matter what future they envision, they can find it in Des Moines.

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

Connecting to people and community. When I was young, I was too afraid to speak up because I didn't think anyone would listen, or if they did that I would be wrong. I want to lean in close to hear what you are saying, talk less and listen more.

What is it that drives you? 

After high school, I worked for my piano teacher. She taught 10+ hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. She taught me resilience, hard work, what it means to truly love what you do, how to listen and the power of connecting to another.

What are your future aspirations? 

No matter what I do in the future, I want to care about my work and be someone who can balance reflecting on the past, living in the moment and planning for the future.

Three hobbies: Enjoying the Des Moines bar and restaurant scene, connecting with friends, playing piano.

Fun fact: He is a lifelong pianist who spent more than 20 years playing in, organizing and conducting 15-piano ensembles in Texas.

ONE word: Open.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

My wish is that more people would ride DART. Have you seen the new electric bus? It is slick!

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? 

I am a native Texan and very proud of it.