2022 40 Under 40 Winners

Tyler has been the lead author of the Iowa Philanthropic Landscape and Des Moines Philanthropic Landscape, a data tool for philanthropy professionals across the region for the last three years.

He championed the $7 million capital campaign and feasibility study for Knoxville Hospital and Clinics in Knoxville, Iowa. Tyler worked with KHC to identify, cultivate, and secure the largest gift in hospital history with a $5 million lead gift in 2022.

He is a past president of the AFP Central Iowa chapter and has spoken at AFP’s ICON conference.

Tyler has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2019 and earned an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in 2015.

My first job was with the University of Iowa. Although I was on the education side, I was able to work side by side and collaborate with great fundraisers who worked on behalf of the hospital there. On the consulting side of my career, I found there are so many organizations, whether smaller, rural hospitals, or organizations serving more niche conditions, that don't have the fundraising resources of a larger university, but the needs are just as important and impactful for those they serve. There was a need where my experience could be helpful and have impact.

Healthcare is something that impacts all of us. As I get a little older and now have a family of my own, the importance of quality healthcare is even more apparent. No one wants the bare minimum level of care when they or a loved one are at one of the scariest and most vulnerable times in our lives. Philanthropy is what enables those touches that add confidence, comfort, and hope in those times. I am proud to be a small part of enabling those feelings. 

At Iowa, I was lucky to work for an organization that truly believed in connecting donors with their passions. While I was raising money for educational programs, I worked with a donor living with MS. Even though healthcare/MS was not my assigned area to raise funds for, I was encouraged to follow that donor's passion and connect them with experts in MS at the university hospital. This experience taught me multiple fundraising lessons and was also one of my first exposures to the impact of healthcare philanthropy.

I have found that one of the most fulfilling things for me is helping others achieve their goals. Anybody who knows me knows I tend to avoid the limelight, but am also competitive, goal-driven, and solutions orientated. Whether its the students I managed in my first job or clients or donors I work with today, tackling tough problems and seeing those I work with succeed is what brings me the greatest joy.

Find a great mentor. I was lucky to have multiple people early in my career that were able to steer me in the right direction, answer questions, and be my cheerleader when I needed it.