Arts Patron
Des Moines, Iowa
Cyndi has spent the last 13 years in state government work. As the former Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs she managed a staff of 91 employees and also was the lead legislative liaison for the department. The state department oversees the Iowa Arts Council, the State Historical Society, the State Historic Preservation Office, the State Historical Library and Archives and the State Historical Museum and Historical Sites.
Her first role at DCA was to implement a newly designed initiative called Great Places. This was an economic development program based on the creative economy and helping communities with better planning and sustainability models. She also served as Chief of Staff to former First Lady Christie Vilsack and served on Governor Vilsacks transition team. Cyndi has an Art Education degree from Iowa State University and a certificate from Drake University as a Certified Public Manager.
Cyndi and her husband currently run a consulting and lobbying firm, her focus is working to help non-profits.
In addition to serving on the Art Midwest board Cyndi gives back to her community by serving as President of the Young Women’s Resource Center, After School Arts Program, World Food Prize Ambassador and Hero’s for the Homeless.