Megan Garrett
Director of communications, Care Initiatives
Age: 39
Education: Bachelor of Science in journalism - visual Journalism; Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America
Husband: Derek Garrett
Children: Emmie Garrett (10)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
As board president of the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, I have provided seven years of leadership advancing economic growth in Iowa’s fastest-growing county.
As a small business owner, I created collaborative pop-up events that elevated small and home-based businesses across Dallas County, including the inaugural Home-Based Holiday Pop-Up where a portion of proceeds from all small businesses in attendance benefited the ADM Athletic Booster Club.
At Wellmark, I secured regional and national media coverage spotlighting critical health issues, including mental health — helping generate more than $120,000 in funding tied to an inaugural mental health awareness event in South Dakota.
At Care Initiatives, I led an organization-wide brand revitalization, modernizing internal and external communications to better reflect the nonprofit mission and values of serving older Iowans.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
I don’t have just one defining moment or memory but rather a series of experiences shaped largely by being the oldest grandchild of four and first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. I learned early how to navigate unfamiliar systems and make decisions without a clear roadmap. That experience fostered independence, resilience and a sense of responsibility not just for myself, but for those who followed. It was the culmination of those experiences that shaped how I see the world and brought me where I am today.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
In college, the world of journalism and storytelling was changing seemingly by the day. I made the decision early to study any and all aspects I could. Had I not explored all there was to offer, I can confidently say I wouldn’t be as well-rounded. Now, I have experience in television, radio, print and digital, and can translate that experience into effective storytelling to support the local nonprofits and small businesses I care about.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I aspire to build and champion opportunities that help small and home-based businesses grow through collaboration, visibility and community connection. As a small business owner, my goal is to create platforms that strengthen local economies, encourage shared success and ensure small businesses have the support and voice they need to thrive.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
One area I’m always working to improve as a leader is delegating more effectively and resisting the urge to take on too much myself. Being someone who learned early how to figure things out independently, my instinct is to solve problems quickly on my own. I’m intentionally working on empowering others, trusting their strengths and creating space for shared ownership.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Say yes to opportunities that have the potential to create growth or positive impact. Even when something feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable, it’s often worth exploring, whether it’s learning a new skill, volunteering your talents or stepping into a leadership role. The worst-case outcome is gaining experience and learning more about yourself.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Saying yes to learning before feeling fully ready. I regularly take on opportunities that stretch my skills, trusting that I’ll learn quickly and figure things out along the way. That mindset has helped me grow as a leader and adapt in fast-changing environments.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
The idea that success requires a one-size-fits-all workplace model, particularly for working parents and caregivers. Modern workplace cultures should recognize that flexibility, trust and support allow people balancing family, caregiving and other life responsibilities to thrive professionally while contributing meaningfully at work.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I would like to see Central Iowa leaders focus on building stronger support systems for families, caregivers and older Iowans, ensuring that people of all ages can live, work and thrive in our communities. By investing in coordinated services and resources, we can retain talent, strengthen local businesses and create communities where every generation has the opportunity to live comfortably, contribute and succeed.
What’s one fun fact about you?
Early in my journalism career, I wrote a weekly lifestyle column that was published across the U.S. One particular column led to our newspaper’s first Facebook poll – they were brand new at the time – where hundreds of readers cast their vote on the definition of a “butter knife.” (I think it’s an Iowa thing.) Another column – and poll – helped my husband and I settle a debate on which desserts to serve at our wedding
Hobbies: All things sourdough! Upland bird hunting. “Outdoorsing” (camping, hiking, boating, exploring).
What is one word that best describes you?
Intrepid.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
The free sweet corn at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival!
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Most surprising? Finding out I’m a Forty Under 40 honoree! There are truly amazing humans who make up this list and alumni – to be included is so surreal.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Adel Sweet Corn Festival – annually in August.
What is your go-to snack?
Microwave popcorn.