(Des Moines, IA) -- The head of the Greater Des Moines Partnership will become the next President of Simpson College in Indianola. Jay Byers has been at the Greater Des Moines Partnership for 18 years and has been President and CEO for the past 11 years. Byers graduated from Simpson in 1993. He will be formally introduced at Simpson Wednesday, May 17th.
Byers will succeed Marsha Kellilher, who will retire this summer.
Byers, a member of Simpson's Board of Trustees since 2012 will be come the Simpson's 25th president.
"I never imagined I would have this incredible opportunity to lead the college I care about so deeply," said Byers. "I am truly humbled and honored to receive the confidence of Simpson's Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee. During my board service, I have gained the front row view of the exciting momentum that continues to grow at Simpson. I am thrilled to be joining such an impressive community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and benefactors who make Simpson such a special place. Together we can, and we will, take Simpson to new heights of distinction. I can't wait to get started."