Lashier Honored with Leadership for Iowa Award

July 13, 2018 | Uplifting downtime

Leadership Iowa has named Jack Lashier of Des Moines as the recipient of its annual Leadership for Iowa Award. The award honors a distinguished alumnus of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation’s (ABI’s) Leadership Iowa program. Lashier was a member of the 1988-89 Leadership Iowa class. He received the award on June 7 at ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference in Coralville.

Working with former Iowa High School Athletic Association Executive Director Bernie Saggau, Lashier devoted 21 years of his life to envisioning, funding and building the Iowa Hall of Pride. The Hall, which is inside the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, opened in 2005 and honors the accomplishments of noteworthy Iowans. Jack took the lead as the face of the project and the key fundraiser, garnering $13 million toward the high-tech interactive exhibit.

Those who nominated Lashier for the award spoke highly of his strong commitment to both promoting Iowa and enhancing the state’s quality of life.

“Jack’s drive and personality set him apart to educate the youth of Iowa on what they can achieve right here in Iowa,” said nominator Alan Mores. “From the sports achievements of Harrison Barnes, to the scientific studies of astronaut Peggy Whitson, to the musical accolades of Simon Estes, he has created a vision of what Iowans can become.”

“Jack is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable ambassadors for the state of Iowa that I have witnessed in my 42-plus years in this state,” said fellow nominator John F. McCarroll. “He takes his stories of Iowans and their successes, challenges, sorrows and joys to audiences all over the state. His infectious smile and enthusiasm captivate audiences.”

Lashier retired from the Iowa Hall of Pride in July 2017. He now serves as senior account executive salesperson with LRI Graphics in Grimes. He worked previously as a special projects coordinator with the Iowa High School Athletic Association and as a sales manager at RACOM, and acted as executive director of the Marshalltown United Way. He has also worked in education, retail and insurance. He has been an active volunteer in the communities where he’s lived, including Boone, Des Moines and Marshalltown.

“Jack Lashier is a strong advocate and leader for the state,” said ABI President Mike Ralston. “ABI and its members are grateful for Jack’s commitment to helping develop Iowa’s next generation of leaders.”

Recipients of the Leadership for Iowa Award must show a demonstrated commitment to serve Iowa, have held a leadership role volunteering for civic or professional organizations, have demonstrated the ability to lead on difficult or controversial subjects, and be involved in projects designed to enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Honorees also must have held a professional or volunteer leadership position that contributes to local or statewide leadership development. 

Leadership Iowa, a program of the ABI Foundation, is one of the state’s most revered professional development opportunities. Through Leadership Iowa, participants travel to eight locations around the state to learn about the issues facing Iowa and its communities and to gain a better understanding of the role they can play in addressing those challenges.