MidAmerican Energy’s Kathryn Kunert Elected ABI Board Chair

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) welcomes Kathryn Kunert, Vice President Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy, as Chair of its Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term.

A native of Mason City and graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Kunert has spent three decades with MidAmerican Energy, where she leads initiatives that strengthen relationships between business, communities, and economic development partners across Iowa.

Kunert has served in leadership roles with numerous statewide organizations, including the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, Iowa Innovation Corporation, the Future Ready Iowa Alliance, and the Cultivation Corridor. She also previously chaired the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board of Directors and has been recognized by the Business Record as a Woman of Influence, Forty Under 40, and Forty Under 40 Alumnus of the Year.

"Kathryn is an accomplished business leader who understands the importance of building strong partnerships and creating opportunities for Iowa employers," said Nicole Crain, ABI President. "She has spent her career bringing together business, community and government leaders to advance Iowa's economy. Her collaborative leadership and strategic perspective will help guide ABI as we continue advocating for a strong business climate and a vibrant economy."

Along with Kunert, ABI members elected the following officers for the 2026-27 Executive Committee:

• Vice Chair: Tim Bianco, Iowa Spring Manufacturing Inc. (Adel)
• Treasurer: Nate Weaton, Weaton Companies (Fairfield)
• Secretary: Mike Espeset, Story Construction (Ames)
• Immediate Past Chair: Kellan Longenecker, General Mills (Avon)

Returning Executive Committee members include Brad Nielsen of Iowa American Water (Davenport) and Gretchen Spear of International Paper (Cedar Rapids). Newly elected Executive Committee members are Stacey Pellett of John Deere (West Des Moines), Eric Moerman of Interstates (Sioux Center) and Andrew St. John of CIPCO (Des Moines).

ABI also welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors:

• Jill Bidwell, Emerson (Marshalltown)
• Devin Boyer, Nicolet National Bank (West Des Moines)
• Tom Mangan, Sukup Manufacturing Company (Sheffield)
• Scott Schurman, Downing Construction (Indianola)

Representing employers from across Iowa and a broad range of industries, the ABI Board of Directors helps guide the association's work on advocacy, workforce development, leadership programming, and initiatives that advance Iowa's economic competitiveness.