Paige Jaeger
Chief operating officer, ChildServe
Age: 35
Education: The University of Iowa - B.B.A., economics and business management; the University of Iowa - Master of Healthcare Administration
Husband: Jonathan Jaeger
Children: Arlo (8 years old), Abel (6 years old), Gretchen (3 years old))
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I am the chief operating officer of ChildServe, overseeing all program operations including inpatient and outpatient services, regional locations, group homes, autism and community-based services.
I am passionate in supporting Master of Healthcare Administration students by participating in mentorship programs, hosting interns and fellows, serving on the University of Iowa College of Public Health advisory board and American College of Healthcare Executives of Iowa board, and ad hoc lecturing in the MHA program.
I have extensive experience in hospital and physician group practice management, including overseeing 1,500 staff members and 200 physicians and advanced practice providers across 20 pediatric and adult subspecialty programs in my previous role at UnityPoint Health Des Moines and Blank Children’s Hospital.
I am a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Academy and the Iowa Hospital Association Advanced Leadership Academy.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
In 2017, our first son was born with bilateral club feet and in 2019 our middle son contracted a rare staph infection called staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome at just 5 days old. Navigating health care as a parent, while terrifying, provided me with an essential perspective to the work I lead every day.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I chose to complete a post‑graduate fellowship working directly for the UnityPoint Des Moines CEO and senior team. Spending a year and a half supporting major projects and strategies across the organization shaped my entire trajectory, and I owe my success to the leaders who invested in me during that pivotal time.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I’m excited for the official launch of ChildServe’s new hospital license, establishing us as Iowa’s first pediatric specialty hospital and serving as the catalyst to being able to serve more children with special health care needs. I also want to continue coaching youth sports, because athletics shaped my identity growing up and taught me discipline, commitment, resilience and confidence — qualities I hope to instill in my own kids.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m working to improve my ability to pause and recognize my own successes and the organization’s accomplishments. With so many exciting projects underway, I often jump to the next priority without acknowledging what we’ve already achieved. I’m learning to celebrate progress before moving forward.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Say “yes” – to projects, experiences and work outside your day-to-day role. Saying “yes” gives you rapport, exposure and perspective. It allows you to acquire new skills or develop existing skills while learning from others around you.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Intentionally building genuine relationships — across my professional network, in the community and in my personal life has been critical to my success. I try to be generous with my time and willingness to help others. Investing in people creates trust, strengthens collaboration and ultimately opens opportunities.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
I would challenge the belief that assertive women in leadership are aggressive. Assertiveness is clarity, not hostility. Direct, confident communication strengthens teams and should be recognized as effective leadership. Embrace that assertive women are not intimidating.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I’d like to see Central Iowa leaders continue building a welcoming, inclusive community. If we want to retain top talent and strengthen our workforce, people from all walks of life need to feel they can live, work and thrive here. A welcoming culture is essential for long-term regional success.
What’s one fun fact about you?
My husband and I grew up in different states and didn’t meet until college. As it turns out, my grandmother and his grandmother were best friends in kindergarten in a one-room schoolhouse, in a town of less than a few hundred people. They remembered each other 60 years later and became pen pals.
Hobbies: Coach and watch my kids’ sports, e-bike to local restaurants and parks with our friends, attend Iowa Hawkeye and Green Bay Packers games.
What is one word that best describes you?
Dynamic.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Dinner at Cosi Cucina.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Being recognized in the Forty Under 40 class was a complete shock. I had no idea I’d been nominated, which made the honor even more meaningful. Reading the endorsement letters and reflecting on the mentors and leaders I’ve been fortunate to learn from was incredibly impactful and fulfilling.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
ChildServe’s Bubble Ball!
What is your go-to snack?
Popcorn.