Katherine's Accomplishments

WDM Chamber of Commerce Accomplishments as President & CEO 2020 - Present:

Chamber Accomplishments:

• Grew the WDM Chamber to the largest Chamber in the region with over 1,020 members.

• More than tripled cash on hand through new memberships, sponsorship, and revenue generation.

• Increased membership by 20% in four years.

• Created the WDM Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

• Produces more than 150 events and gatherings each year.

• Orchestrates 25+ committees led by volunteers.

• Collectively creates 166 newsletters each year telling the story of members.

• Honored with 15 awards for programming, people and culture.

• Nearly tripled social media followers through consistent, quality approach.

• The organization has, through the support of sponsors and community, given over $250,000+ to nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and students.

• Excited membership in the entire region where over 30% of members are not in the WDM zip codes.

• Interviewed numerous times in the statewide media including Channel 5, Channel 13, Business Record, CityView, and more.

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Des Moines Business Record Accomplishments as Director of Innovation 2005 - 2020:

• Creator of innovationIOWA Magazine, Awards and Event - a top revenue driver at Business Publications.

• Top sales executive at Business Record with record breaking 1 million+ in sales 3 years in a row.

• MC for Power Breakfast, Economic Forecast, Women of Influence, and numerous events.

• Increased revenue for the organization through innovative magazine and news profile sections.

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The T Sector Media Company Accomplishments as Founder and President 2000 - 2005:

• Created an award-winning media company that included a monthly magazine, website, news, and events.

• Started and led a profitable media company with 23 employees serving San Diego technology CEOs.

• Developed numerous, profitable awards events for vital technology sectors in the region including TechMecca, BioFusion, TeleFusion, and more.

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Community Involvement: 

• West Des Moines Community Foundation - Board Member 2020-Present

• Great Outdoors Foundation - Wild Prairie Showdown Event Advisory Committee Member-Present

• Ballet Des Moines - Board of Directors 2025-Present

• Ballet Des Moines - Advisory Committee Member 2022-2025

• Greater Des Moines Partnership - Board Member 2024

• Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Council Member 2022-Present

• Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Summit Event Co-Chair 2023

• Athene Pedestrian Bridge - Executive Committee 2022-2023

• WDM Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration - Scholarship Committee Chair 2020-Present

• WDM Historical Society - Fundraising Committee Member 2023-2024

• Des Moines AM Rotary - Club Member 2023-Present

• Salvation Army - Unmasking the Singer Competitor 2023

• Big Brother Big Sister - I am Enough Community Champion 2022-2023

• Historic WDM Master Plan Committee - Committee Member 2022

• House of Mercy Game Show - Gala Winner 2022

• Iowa Heart Ball Executive Leadership - Committee Member 2022

• Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council - Board Chair, South Central Region 2014-2017

• Blood Sweat & Beers Iowa Race - Founding and Executive Board Member 2014-2017

• Ballet Des Moines - Board President 2008-2012

• Ballet Des Moines - Board Member 2005-2008

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Awards and Honors:

• Cover feature of Business Record’s “Vision” edition - January 2024.

• Featured in Business Records’ Fearless as one who Leads Fearlessly - January 2024

• ACCE - Chamber of the Year USA 2022 - One of Three Finalists in our Category.

• Greater Des Moines Partnership - Equity Innovation Award Honoree 2022 for Brand New Award Category for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit.

• 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.

• US Small Business Administration - Small Business Community of the Year 2022.

• Award Winner, Technology Association of Iowa - Technology Community of the Year 2022.

• PRSA Iowa Chapter Iowa Advocate Award Winner - Katherine Harrington 2022.

• City View Runner Up - Best Festival in West Des Moines. Raccoon River Rally 2022.

• ACCE USA Case Study Participant - DEI Workplace Excellence Awards 2022.

• City View Magazine Runner Up - Best Area Chamber of Commerce 2022, 2023.

• MACE Award Finalist: Raccoon River Rally 2021.

• MACE Award Finalist: Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2021.

• West Des Moines Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Organization Leadership Award 2021.

• WDM Jordan Creek Runner Up - Dallas County Resident's Choice Favorite Chamber 2022.

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