DES MOINES, IOWA (May 1, 2025) — On Tuesday, April 29, Governor Kim Reynolds’ appointee to the Iowa Board of Regents, Kurt Tjaden, has been confirmed by the Iowa Senate.
Tjaden is an experienced business executive, having served in senior roles at several US companies, including Procter and Gamble and Gateway Inc. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Pure Fishing Inc, as well as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Whirlpool Asia.
After more than twelve years living and working in Asia, Tjaden returned home to Iowa to serve as Chief Financial Officer and then Senior Vice President and President-International of HNI Corporation, a Muscatine-based workplace furnishings and residential building products manufacturer.
“Kurt is a proven leader with decades of success at the highest levels of business management for numerous companies on an international scale,” Gov Reynolds said. “I know he will bring his extensive executive leadership skills in operations and finance to the Board of Regents to ensure we are preparing our students for success as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
"I am honored by this appointment and appreciate the confidence of the Governor,” Kurt Tjaden said. “I look forward to serving with my fellow board members to ensure our Regent institutions are providing the best education possible for our graduates.”
Tjaden attended Iowa State University, where he recently served as a professor of practice at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business.
Returning members David Barker and James “JC” Risewick were also confirmed to the nine-member Iowa Board of Regents. Student regent Lucy Gipple from the University of Northern Iowa was confirmed, as well.
