Keep Iowa Beautiful Announces New Executive Director

DES MOINES, IOWA (June 3, 2019) — The Keep Iowa Beautiful Board of Directors has appointed Kevin W Techau as the new Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful. He was re-elected to the KIB Board in 2017 and served as Vice-Chair in 2018. He was originally elected to the Board in 2005 and served as Chair from 2006-2013.   "Kevin is a servant leader, giving back to the state of Iowa and our nation in everything he does," says Reo Menning, Chair of KIB's Board of Directors. "KIB will benefit from his steadfast leadership, relationships, and long-time commitment to the mission of the organization. He will continue to grow KIB's positive impact throughout the state."    "I am very honored to have the opportunity to lead Keep Iowa Beautiful. I look forward to working with the Board to build on the legacy of Keep Iowa Beautiful's Founders, Governor Bob Ray and Don Lamberti and longtime Executive Director Gerry Schnepf." said Techau. "At 20 years old, Keep Iowa Beautiful has a great history of partnerships with other organizations and volunteers. Keep Iowa Beautiful provides leadership across Iowa for collective action and individual responsibility to make Iowa a cleaner, more vibrant and beautiful place to live, visit, and conduct business," he added   Techau is an attorney with Smith, Mills, and Schrock with offices in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Omaha. He served as the presidentially-appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa 2014-2017. His 35-year public/private career includes service as Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and seven years as Associate General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. Techau served as a Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force for seven years. After leaving active duty, he served with the Iowa Air National Guard for twenty years. He retired from the Iowa Air National Guard as a Colonel with 27 years of military service. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. Kevin has received the Iowa Public Health Heroes Award, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, 2016; Safe Kids Iowa Leadership Award, Blank Children's Hospital, 2007; and Government Leadership Award, Greater Des Moines Partnership, 2006.   Techau is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Business and College of Law. He completed the Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Past service includes Boards of the Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines Area Religious Council, and the Iowa National Guard Officer's Association. He currently serves on the Board of America's Job Honors Award.   Techau assumed his new duties on June 1 replacing founding Executive Director Gerald Schnepf who resigned on May 31st. Techau and his wife, Stephanie have 2 children and currently reside in Cedar Rapids.    About Keep Iowa Beautiful Keep Iowa Beautiful was established in 2000 by Governor Robert D. Ray and Donald F. Lamberti becoming the 23rd State Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. KIB is a 501c3 charitable organization working with Iowa citizens, neighborhoods and communities in improving the economic vitality and cultural health of Iowa. KIB is helping build stronger communities to develop sustainable futures. Please check out our web page at www.keepiowabeautiful.com.