YPC 2016 Charitable Chair

Nick Peterson

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: Charitable Chair*

Hometown: Madrid, Iowa

Alma Mater: Northwest Missouri State University (B.S.Ed), Seattle University (MA)

What do you do? Business Development,  DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority)

What’s a day in your job like? I am focused on expanding public transit services by creating new products and working with local business, organizations and community groups to promote increased ridership.

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? I am very passionate about giving back.  I am a BIG with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.  I am member of the Des Moines chapter of the NAACP.  When not at work you will find me in Beaverdale trying to work on home renovations / trying figure out how to decorate my house.

Where’s your favorite (something) in Greater Des Moines (DSM)? After living on the West Coast for 3 ½ years, I really missed the people of Des Moines, until you leave you don’t realize how friendly and social folks are here.  We have culture that is welcoming and fosters community building.   (I realize this isn’t a place, but it is something special I think about why I decided to move back and buy a home in Des Moines.)

What role has mentorship played in your career? Mentorship has been a key in my early career success.  I have been lucky to have found some great mentors in co-workers and even clients in my various roles.  Each mentor has been integral in coaching me to be not only a good employee but a better person.

What is something you would like to see added or changed about Des Moines? I think Des Moines has continued to improve as a city in many facets.  I would like to see continued improvements for K-12 education in our public schools and a greater embrace of the diversity we have.  

What’s a piece of career advice that has served you well? “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense.” — Thomas A. Edison

What are your words to live by? Focus on the three values you cherish the most, and ensure you are aligning your life to embody those values in everything you do.  

What projects have you been involved with in YPC?  As one of the committee leaders in the Volunteer Committee last year I planned a depression awareness event with Last Laugh Comedy Club and Meals from the Heartland packing day.  I also was one of the leads on planning the inaugural YPC Gala.

*(Note: the Charitable Committee has since been renamed the Volunteer Committee)