WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (July 1, 2026) — Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences announced two internal promotions. Chris Schmidt, who directs facilities management, and Denise Lamphier MA, who directs marketing and communications, became senior directors effective July 1.
"Chris is a strategic and thoughtful leader with a focus on DMU's continued success," says Mark Peiffer CPA MBA, senior vice president and CFO.
"He has built strong relationships with our contractors and vendors. Chris is well respected by his team and throughout the community for his customer service, communication, project-management skills, and upbeat personality."
Schmidt and his team provide and maintain physical facilities to meet the current and future needs of the DMU community in support of the overall mission of the university. Their primary role is the operation and maintenance of the campus and university-owned properties. Services include plant operations and maintenance, environmental services, grounds maintenance, conference room set-up, and office move management. They also manage university security services and fleet vehicles.
Schmidt's prior experience in facilities management includes Kum and Go, Krause Group, the University of Iowa, and AIB College of Business.
Alongside Schmidt in facilities management, DMU promoted Lamphier in marketing and communications.
"Denise has made a big difference at DMU by advancing our brand, strengthening our digital engagement and supporting institutional growth," says Stephanie Greiner MS, vice president of university advancement.
"She emphasizes authentic storytelling, creative strategy, and alignment with DMU's mission."
Lamphier and her team support the success of DMU's graduate-level health sciences programs, a research enterprise, Des Moines University Clinic, DMU32 Health and Business Complex, fundraising initiatives, and other strategic university priorities. The American Marketing Association Iowa Chapter recently awarded DMU its statewide 2026 Marketing Department of the Year honor.
Lamphier's prior experience in higher education and health-care marketing includes Central College, Grinnell College, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Earlier in her career, Lamphier worked as a reporter for The Telegraph Herald, a daily newspaper based in Dubuque, Iowa.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers graduate-level professional-degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health-care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician-assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass-rates on board certifications, and match-rates for medical-residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
