About
Why I’m Running
I’m running for City Council to help continue to build a strong, vibrant future for West Des Moines by supporting small businesses, expanding affordable housing, and strengthening workforce pipelines. I believe smart growth, opportunity for all, and collaboration across education, business, and community partners will keep our city thriving for generations to come.
Craig Walter, my husband, is a dedicated teacher at Valley High School, and we’ve proudly raised our three children in West Des Moines and through the public school system. We believe in building a city where young people are excited to stay—because great jobs, strong quality of life, and affordable living make it possible to thrive.
About Me
I’m Katherine Harrington, and I’m running for City Council because I believe strong communities don’t happen by accident — they’re built through listening, collaboration, and thoughtful leadership. I care deeply about West Des Moines, and I’m committed to helping our city continue to grow in ways that protect quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for everyone who calls it home.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on bringing people together to strengthen local economies, support small businesses, and build communities where people can thrive. I believe the best solutions come from working across sectors, engaging residents, and planning for the future with intention and care.
Putting My Experience to Work
Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. In this role, I work closely with local businesses, city leaders, schools, and nonprofit organizations to support economic development, workforce growth, and community vitality.
Under my leadership, the Chamber has launched new workforce and leadership programs, expanded support for small businesses, and reinvested hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the community through scholarships, grants, and nonprofit partnerships. This work has given me a firsthand understanding of how city decisions impact residents, employers, and families — and how thoughtful collaboration can deliver real results.
In 2024, I also became President of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on workforce development, economic prosperity, and civic engagement. Through the Foundation, I’ve worked to bring together corporate partners, educators, and community organizations to prepare the next generation of leaders and support the long-term success of our city.
About
A Career Rooted in Community
I moved to West Des Moines more than 20 years ago and began my career with DSM Magazine and The Des Moines Business Record, where I worked in sales and leadership roles and ultimately served as Director of Innovation. That experience, combined with my work in media, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership, has shaped my ability to think strategically, solve problems, and turn ideas into action.
Today, I’m known as a collaborative connector — someone who brings people together, listens carefully, and focuses on practical, long-term solutions that benefit the whole community.
Where I Come From
I was raised in Mattoon, Illinois, where community involvement was part of everyday life. My mom volunteered locally, and my dad was a community advocate and publisher of the daily newspaper. From an early age, I learned the importance of civic engagement, service, and staying connected to the people around you.
At 14, I left home to pursue a career as a ballerina, and later followed my father’s footsteps into the publishing industry. I’ve lived in 10 cities across the country, and through all of those experiences, I can confidently say I’ve never encountered a community quite like West Des Moines. The people here — their generosity, collaboration, and pride in their city — are truly special.
Career Accomplishments &
Community Involvement
WDM Chamber of Commerce Accomplishments as President & CEO 2020 - Present:
Chamber Accomplishments:
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Grew the WDM Chamber to the largest Chamber in the region with over 1,020 members.
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More than tripled cash on hand through new memberships, sponsorship, and revenue generation.
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Increased membership by 20% in four years.
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Created the WDM Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
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Produces more than 150 events and gatherings each year.
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Orchestrates 25+ committees led by volunteers.
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Collectively creates 166 newsletters each year telling the story of members.
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Honored with 15 awards for programming, people and culture.
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Nearly tripled social media followers through consistent, quality approach.
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The organization has, through the support of sponsors and community, given over $250,000+ to nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and students.
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Excited membership in the entire region where over 30% of members are not in the WDM zip codes.
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Interviewed numerous times in the statewide media including Channel 5, Channel 13, Business Record, CityView, and more.
Des Moines Business Record Accomplishments as Director of Innovation 2005 - 2020:
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Creator of innovationIOWA Magazine, Awards and Event - a top revenue driver at Business Publications.
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Top sales executive at Business Record with record breaking 1 million+ in sales 3 years in a row.
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MC for Power Breakfast, Economic Forecast, Women of Influence, and numerous events.
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Increased revenue for the organization through innovative magazine and news profile sections.
The T Sector Media Company Accomplishments as Founder and President 2000 - 2005:
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Created an award-winning media company that included a monthly magazine, website, news, and events.
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Started and led a profitable media company with 23 employees serving San Diego technology CEOs.
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Developed numerous, profitable awards events for vital technology sectors in the region including TechMecca, BioFusion, TeleFusion, and more.
Community Involvement:
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West Des Moines Community Foundation - Board Member 2020-Present
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Great Outdoors Foundation - Wild Prairie Showdown Event Advisory Committee Member-Present
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Ballet Des Moines - Board of Directors 2025-Present
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Ballet Des Moines - Advisory Committee Member 2022-2025
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Greater Des Moines Partnership - Board Member 2024
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Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Council Member 2022-Present
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Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Summit Event Co-Chair 2023
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Athene Pedestrian Bridge - Executive Committee 2022-2023
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WDM Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration - Scholarship Committee Chair 2020-Present
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WDM Historical Society - Fundraising Committee Member 2023-2024
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Des Moines AM Rotary - Club Member 2023-Present
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Salvation Army - Unmasking the Singer Competitor 2023
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Big Brother Big Sister - I am Enough Community Champion 2022-2023
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Historic WDM Master Plan Committee - Committee Member 2022
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House of Mercy Game Show - Gala Winner 2022
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Iowa Heart Ball Executive Leadership - Committee Member 2022
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Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council - Board Chair, South Central Region 2014-2017
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Blood Sweat & Beers Iowa Race - Founding and Executive Board Member 2014-2017
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Ballet Des Moines - Board President 2008-2012
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Ballet Des Moines - Board Member 2005-2008
Awards and Honors:
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Cover feature of Business Record’s “Vision” edition - January 2024.
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Featured in Business Records’ Fearless as one who Leads Fearlessly - January 2024
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ACCE - Chamber of the Year USA 2022 - One of Three Finalists in our Category.
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Greater Des Moines Partnership - Equity Innovation Award Honoree 2022 for Brand New Award Category for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit.
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Katherine Harrington has appeared countless times on statewide TV stations and is an avid public speaker who is continually asked to appear on panels and at events.
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US Small Business Administration - Small Business Community of the Year 2022.
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Award Winner, Technology Association of Iowa - Technology Community of the Year 2022.
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PRSA Iowa Chapter Iowa Advocate Award Winner - Katherine Harrington 2022.
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City View Runner Up - Best Festival in West Des Moines. Raccoon River Rally 2022.
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ACCE USA Case Study Participant - DEI Workplace Excellence Awards 2022.
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City View Magazine Runner Up - Best Area Chamber of Commerce 2022, 2023.
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MACE Award Finalist: Raccoon River Rally 2021.
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MACE Award Finalist: Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2021.
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West Des Moines Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Organization Leadership Award 2021.
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WDM Jordan Creek Runner Up - Dallas County Resident's Choice Favorite Chamber 2022.