BETA ALPHA (Simpson) -- Jay Byers, Simpson '90, has been named chief executive of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the metro area economic development group announced earlier this week.

After a national search, we are so pleased to announce that we have a powerful team of leaders right here at home,” said Larry Zimpleman, chairman of the Partnership’s board. “Jay Byers brings the experience of developing best-in-class economic development programs for today and tomorrow; combined with Gene’s proven relationships to assist at this critical juncture in central Iowa’s development.

His move becomes effective Jan. 23.

“As a leadership team, we’ve never been more optimistic about our prospects for the future,” said Zimpleman, chief executive of Principal Financial Group. He also led the search committee that considered dozens of candidates.

Byers, a graduate of Simpson College and the University of Iowa College of Law, has been senior vice president of the Partnership’s public policy since 2005.

The group said Byers is “responsible for overall strategy, implementation of Capital Crossroads plan, leadership and operations."

Full article available via the Des Moines Register.