Liesl Seabert
Program manager, UNI Institute for Decision Making
Age: 39
Education: Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma; Juris Doctor, Florida State University College of Law; master’s in urban and regional planning, Florida State University; Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and policy and history, College of William & Mary
Husband: Adam Seabert
Children: Emlyn Joy Seabert (5) and Eleanor Louise Seabert (2)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I serve as president of the Keep Iowa Beautiful Board and sit on the Professional Developers of Iowa Board, Iowa Rural Development Council Board and Main Street Iowa Advisory Committee.
I launched the Iowa Leadership Exchange in 2020, chaired the annual event through 2025, and continue to serve on the planning committee to support statewide leadership programming and development.
I served as the 2024–2025 outreach chair for the Des Moines Walk to End Alzheimer’s and continue to serve on the event’s planning committee.
I received the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award from the American Planning Association Iowa Chapter.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
While interning with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, I worked with rural coastal communities through the Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program. Their pride of place and resilience showed me the power of connecting local leaders with the right resources, a lesson that has driven my work for the past 14 years.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
When I moved to Iowa, I knew exactly one person. So I made a decision to show up in unexpected places: public meetings, conferences and events adjacent to my work. Those early conversations built my network, helped me learn how the systems worked and opened doors I couldn’t have planned for.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I’m passionate about growing leaders in Iowa through strong leadership programs. I’m currently working with a colleague to develop resources and programming to better connect and support leadership programs statewide, building upon the Iowa Leadership Exchange from an annual event into year-round connectivity and shared learning.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Learning when to step back and let go of control! I’m working on knowing when to say no and creating space for others to lead, even when it means resisting the urge to step in and do it myself, knowing diverse points of view build stronger teams and outcomes.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
You don’t need one perfect mentor. Learn from many people for different reasons. Set up the informal meetings, ask thoughtful questions and absorb as much wisdom as you can from others’ experiences.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Coffee meetings. I’ve learned that people tend to be more open and thoughtful outside an office setting. Some of the best ideas, connections, and relationships have come from sitting down with someone over coffee and simply chatting.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That leaders have to fit a certain mold. I’m a female introvert and an Enneagram 9, and I’ve learned that leadership can be quiet, collaborative and very effective. Listening, building trust and bringing people together often creates more lasting impact than being the loudest voice in the room.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Strengthening the partnership between Central Iowa’s urban core and the rural communities that surround it. Our economies, workforces and quality of life are deeply connected, and when we intentionally support one another, both urban and rural places are more resilient, innovative and successful.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I have an Instagram account (@lets.talk.rural.iowa) where I’ve shared snapshots of buildings, art and landmarks from more than 115 rural Iowa communities.
Hobbies: OrangeTheory enthusiast; mom to a 5-year-old and 2-year-old (so actually, what are hobbies?); casual sourdough baker.
What is one word that best describes you?
Caffeinated.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Vietnamese coffee with a white chocolate raspberry macaron from Good Day DSM in Ankeny — in addition to nailing the flavor every time, everyone who works there is amazing!
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
At a recent trivia fundraiser I learned that not everyone is as familiar with a wide variety of bird species as this birder.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
The Iowa State Fair. It’s obvious, but I love it all. The people watching, the food, the energy. I go multiple days every year!
What is your go-to snack?
Dark chocolate.