WDM Leaders

Inaugural Class of 2009

Elaine Kay is the Development Director at the Manning Regional Healthcare Centerr and the Executive Director of the West Central Iowa Healthcare Foundation in Manning, Iowa. Her primary responsibilities include philanthropy, corporate wellness and environmental sustainability projects. Prior to that, Elaine was a Corporate Events Director with the American Heart Association implementing the Go Red for Women Luncheon and the Greater Des Moines Heart Ball. Elaine credits her career advancement directly to her participation with the West Des Moines Leadership Academy and the networking opportunities provided.

Out of high school, Elaine attended Iowa Western Community College receiving a diploma in Dental Assisting. She later went back to college earning a B.A. in Accounting from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Her career has consisted of working in the not-for-profit field as a grant writer, fundraiser, events coordinator and program director. She has also worked as an accountant, including tax preparation and monthly work for small businesses and individuals.

Elaine has been a strong volunteer for many years including serving in several leadership roles. Most recently in the Des Moines area, she was a founding member of the Iowa Outdoor Women’s Association (I.O.W.A.) which encourages women to be healthy and active outside. In Eagle Grove, she served as the Chamber President, School Foundation Vice-President, chaired the summer celebration for three years and was a Jaycee member. She also helped raise over 1.5 million dollars for a new Wellness Center. In Oelwein, she was a founding member of the Mercy Hospital Wellness Committee, PTO President and help to develop a new park. She has been a strong school volunteer in Spencer, Oelwein and Eagle Grove as well as involved with her church.

In being recognized for her commitment to the communities she has lived in, Elaine was selected as the 2002 Working Women of the Year in Eagle Grove and the 1992 Key Women of the Year by the Spencer Women of Today (Women Jaycees) along with being voted the President of her Dental Assistant class.

Elaine enjoys mountain biking, road biking, trail running, playing volleyball or at the gym weight training. Elaine’s ultimate goal is to combine her passion, experience and knowledge into a leadership position that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.