Des Moines leader appointed to American Heart Association’s Midwest Region Board of Directors
Des Moines, July 24, 2025 — Karen Rieck, Vice President, Human Resources – Farm Bureau Financial Services, has been elected to serve on the American Heart Association’s 2025-2026 Midwest Region Board of Directors. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. [Name’s] new role began on July 1 and will run through June 30, 2026.
Karen’s journey with the American Heart Association began in early 2019 when she joined the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for STEM Goes Red, helping plan the 2020 event, which was ultimately held virtually. Her commitment deepened when she joined the AHA board on July 1, 2020.
Over the years, Karen has played a pivotal role in several key initiatives, including co-chairing the Heart Ball in 2021 and organizing her company’s participation in the Heart Walk for the past three years. She has also served on the ELT for Go Red for Women for three consecutive years and now co-chairs the Circle of Red alongside Angel Grubb.
Karen is especially passionate about advancing community health and education. She believes in empowering individuals—particularly in underserved areas—with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent heart disease and build healthier, more resilient communities.
“It’s a privilege to join the American Heart Association’s Midwest Region Board and contribute to an organization that continues to transform lives through science, advocacy and community impact,” said Rieck. “I’m particularly passionate about advancing community health and education. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, especially in underserved areas, we can prevent heart disease before it starts and build healthier, more resilient communities.”
During the upcoming year, Rieck will play an instrumental role in advancing health and guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke in the Midwest, alongside the other members of the Midwest Region Board of Directors. You can find a full directory of the members here.
As a member of the Midwest Board of Directors, Rieck will help oversee the American Heart Association’s efforts in a 13-state region, comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Together, the regional volunteer leadership board will guide the Association to drive breakthroughs in science and technology, change systems and policies and transform health care and the health of communities nationwide and around the world.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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