Nick Peterson 

Strategic partnerships manager, Alliant Energy

Age: 36

Wife: Gerrica  

Children: Camille, Simone

Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40: 

  • Led the strategic planning and development of the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University, which is the only utility-scale agrivoltaics solar farm in the country partnering with an investor-owned utility.

  • Led the strategic planning and development efforts for the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab at the Iowa State University Research Park, a multi-tenant flagship facility that will help cement Iowa as an epicenter for ag innovation in the world.

  • Oversee partnership with CIRAS around industry 4.0 technology utilizing the Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy, helping Iowa companies integrate technology.

  • Vice president of NAACP Des Moines since 2018, and member of the African American Museum of Iowa board since 2023.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My passion is community building. As humans, we have an innate need for community, and if that need is positively guided through collaboration and a unified vision, the results can be incredible. To be part of community building, whether for economic development, equity and inclusion, or driving constructive conversation, is both personally and professionally rewarding to me.

What are your goals in your role at work?

At Alliant Energy, I focus on bringing resources and people together to serve our customers and build stronger communities. By collaborating with and leveraging the amazing people and resources at regent institutions, I look for unique ways to advance Alliant Energy's mission by attracting new industry and federal investment opportunities.

What are your goals in a role outside of work?

I am focused on community building and supporting equity and inclusion. I am active in the NAACP and African American Museum of Iowa and am focused on leveling the playing field in our communities while sharing the rich history and voices of Iowa's Black community.

Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. I was only 32 years old and two months into fatherhood. This was a wakeup call that my time and energy are finite. I am now diligently guarding my energy and my time to focus on opportunities that drive a positive impact on my community.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I will continue to lead innovation and drive transformational ideas that make Iowa a great place for all to live, work and thrive. I want to model the great leaders I have had the opportunity to work or volunteer with, like Dr. Mary Chapman, Teresa Kuehn Gould, May Farlinger and Dennis Jordan. All have shown the value of empowerment and servant leadership. In my work and actions, I want to empower others with opportunities to succeed.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Be intentional in all that you do and take time for reflection. My greatest success has come from being intentional in the networks I have created, in conversations where listening, learning and collaboration are key. Take time to reflect on both successes and failures.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

My hope is there is an increased focus on infrastructure investment, with an emphasis on affordability and quality of life for our future generations.

What's one fun fact about you?

I was one of the youngest assistant athletic directors of a NCAA Division I program at Seattle University, where I oversaw corporate partnerships and marketing.

Hobbies: Die-hard basketball fan (NCAA, NBA, WNBA), cooking for others and a sneakerhead.

One word that describes you: Resilient.

What is your favorite local restaurant? Drake Diner or Lucky Lotus.

Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee.

What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?

I enjoy taking my family to the different cultural festivities throughout the year, as well as the Downtown Farmers Market.