We are thrilled to honor a Leader of the Pack, presented by Prairie Meadows, at every Iowa Wolves home game this season. Below you will learn about the incredible community leaders. You can nominate your Leader of the Pack today by filling out this Form.
March 18: Whitney Madonia
Whitney the ARL events team brings more than 50 exciting, community-driven events to life each year, raising critical funds and turning every gathering into a lifeline for homeless pets.
From kitten yoga and dog-friendly events like Hoops and Howls to bike rides, motorcycle rides, and new experiences at Second Chance Ranch, each event invites the community to get involved, support animals, and connect with the ARL’s mission. Guests can meet adoptable pets, learn about programs, and make an impact simply by showing up.
Thanks to this support, the ARL can provide shelter, care, and second chances—helping more animals find safety and loving homes.
March 16: Nathan Miller
Nate started the Internal Sustainability Committee for Casey's Center causing an immediate difference in the arena. He has helped increase waste diversion each year over the past 3 years, he created a donation program for unwanted items from events in the arena, and has a Spring Clean-up event that was incorporated companywide.
Nate is also a big piece to our operations team that makes our games run flawlessly!
March 8: Mayor Connie Boesen
Connie Boesen was sworn in as the first female mayor of Des Moines in 2018 after serving as an at-large member of the Des Moines City Council for 6 years. Her mayoral priorities include economic development, mental health, and youth support. Mayor Boesen started her involvement with the community when she served as the President of the East High School PTA where her daughters were attending.
She was co-chair of the campaign for the passage of the local option sales tax for schools. She was elected and served on the Des Moines School Board for 14 years before running for the Des Moines City Council.
February 22: Sarah Pratt
As the longtime butter sculptor for the Iowa State Fair, Sarah has helped preserve and elevate one of Iowa’s most iconic things. Along with a 600 lb cow made of butter, she has celebrated Iowa people, places and events with sculptures. In August each year, she transforms an agricultural product into unforgettable works of art.
Beyond her work at the Fair, Sarah is deeply committed to sharing her passion through community classes and hands-on workshops (including at this game). With the help of her twin daughters, Hannah and Grace, as her apprentices, her talent has also been recognized on a national stage with a life-sized butter cow featured at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery through September 2026.
February 11: Corey Dion Lewis
Corey has dedicated his time to advocating for health equity and to bring light to under served and under represented communities through his podcast (The Healthy Project) and annual conference (My City My Health).
His focus and drive to enhance conversations and ensure all are represented in the conversations about health and well being, and maintaining the goal of caring for all.
February 10: Deanna Davis
With 33 years of experience in education, Deanna Davis has taught 9th-grade science, elementary special education, and 5th grade, dedicating her career to supporting academic growth, inclusion, and student success. In addition to classroom teaching at Collins-Maxwell, she served as a cheerleading coach for 15 years, mentoring students through teamwork, leadership, and school spirit.
Deanna is actively involved in community service as a board member of the Maxwell Area Community Center, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and former Girl Scout Leader. Deanna has participated in yearly challenges through the KidsFit School Wellness Club, earning her school rewards and exclusive experiences. In 2020, she was featured as a KidsFit All-Star Teacher.
February 7: Best Buddies
Alicia and Elaina have been in Best Buddies all four years of high school and have been Buddies for Two Years. They love going to local coffee shops, getting their nails done, and going to school dances.
Joey and Logan have each been in Best Buddies for several years and bowl together for the Special Olympics where they have won first place twice!
January 27: Hayden Bailey
Hayden Bailey is Waukee Northwest High School's swim team captain, known for her leadership, positivity, and joy. Outside of her sport she volunteers at Lutheran Church of Hope, she served as a youth group leader, mentoring younger students and fostering a supportive, positive environment.
She also volunteers in the church nursery. In addition, Hayden regularly participated in Meals for the Heartland, helping package meals for families in need.
January 26: Colt Casey
Colt has spent the past four years representing his school across multiple sports, including football, basketball, golf, and previously track. This year, he serves as a basketball team captain, all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.
He volunteers with the Little Hawks youth programs as both a coach and an official, and dedicating many hours to Veterinary Medical Associates, caring for animals and supporting their work. He lifts others up, inspires excellence, and leads with humility and heart.
January 24: Children's Cancer Connection & Beat Cancer Today
Children's Cancer Connection's mission is to connect families affected by childhood cancer by creating opportunities that build relationships and strengthen community - because no one should have to face their cancer journey alone. CCC serves families across Iowa who have been impacted by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Today, they offer services to more than 850 families statewide.
For over 30 years, they have been committed to supporting the entire family through the entire journey - offering camps, programs, support services, family outings, and more - all at no cost. As needs change, CCC has adapted, aiming to make sure every family feels seen, supported, and surrounded by a community that truly understands.
January 19: Monica Goodlett
Monica is a registered nurse and founder of local non-profit Black Iowa Outdoors, a hiking-Outdoors Club aimed to improve the health and well-being of Black Iowans by fostering a love for the outdoors and community.
Their mission is "to inspire, empower, and support Black Iowans and our allies to improve their health and well-being while fostering a love for the outdoors and community" and aim to positively impact and empower the health of Black Iowans.
January 18: Anna O'Dell
Anna O’Dell is a teenage powerlifter who inspires younger athletes, especially girls, to believe they belong in every space they aspire to enter. As a member of the Random Acts of Kindness Club, she helps foster a positive and supportive school culture. Through National Honor Society, she balances academic excellence with meaningful service, and in Best Buddies, she builds inclusive, authentic relationships with students of all abilities.
Anna also gives her time to Lutheran Church of Hope, volunteering in children’s ministry for Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Her dedication to leadership and character has earned her multiple positive character awards at her high school and is a 2026 nominee for Iowa Positive Athlete of the Year.
January 4: Sterling Greiner
Sterling has been a school counselor and assistant wrestling coach at Urbandale middle school for 2 years. Before coming to the Des Moines metro Sterling worked to get his masters in counseling at the University of Iowa. While he was working on his masters he worked in schools as a substitute teacher and counseling student. Sterling chose school counseling as a career because he wanted to help people, more specifically, our youth.
Sterling supports students in a variety of ways including student services, career readiness and leadership. He continues to find ways to better support his student body. As an assistant wrestling coach, Sterling is able to work with his student athletes in a different light which he enjoys.
January 3: Travis Gorsch
Travis Gorsch is the President and Founder of The IOWA Foundation, which partners with athletes to give back to communities in Iowa. IOWA stands for Impactful Opportunities With Athletes. The IOWA Foundation's mission is to use sports and education as a youth development tool to eliminate barriers to entry in the youth sports and education space. The organization provides equipment, scholarships, hosts events, and partners with other nonprofits to ensure every child has access to sports and education. This includes hosting football, basketball, wrestling and running camps for youth in Central Iowa and beyond.
The IOWA Foundation has also helped eliminate the financial barriers for Middle/High School Coaches Authorizations and helped teenagers get into umpiring baseball & softball by training them on mechanics and life skills. Partnerships have included taking athletes into elementary schools around Des Moines to read to classrooms in 3rd-6th grade.
December 12: Abbie Mork
Abbie Mork is the current Executive Director and co-founder of Raise the Bar Initiative. She has extensive training in human anatomy, soft tissue techniques and strength training, and has a chiropractic practice in West Des Moines. Her passion lies in educating and empowering women to develop strength physically, mentally and emotionally to improve their quality of life.
She channels that passion into creating and leading RBI programs, and helping to steer the organization in its mission of empowering girls and women in her community to develop strength in all areas of their lives. RBI just recently opened their first physical location in Des Moines to help given women a place to go for their programs. We have partnered with them to bring youth camps to schools in the summer for teenage girls to learn strength training.
November 21: Laurie Butz
Laurie consistently goes above and beyond for her students as a Completion Coach at Grand View University: attending countless extra-currricular and athletic events, staying up late to help them register for classes, and always offering a smile, even during the toughest times. In 2022, she became the first-ever recipient of the Excellence in Service to Students Award. In 2023, Laurie was again recognized as the first-ever Staff of the Year award winner at The Viktors, Grand View's celebration of student athletes.
From her nominator: "I can't think of anyone more deserving of these honors, or of the gratitude of everyone who's live she has touched. She is one of the most influential people I know."
November 20: Haley Hollingsworth
She embodies what it means to uplift others, service with empathy, and to make the people around her better. For these reasons and for the significant impact she has made on her school and community, Haley is a nominee for the Girls Positive Athlete of the Year Award for the state of Iowa, a well-deserved honor recognizing her inspiring attitude, leadership, and commitment to others.
For four years, Haley has been a standout volleyball player, known not just for her skill, but for her unwavering leadership both on and off the court. Haley has a gift for lifting up everyone around her and brings the same energy into her school community. As Student Body President at Woodward-Granger, she leads committees, collaborates with local businesses, and coordinates fundraisers, all while maintaining an impressive GPA.
November 17: Patrick Gulbranson
Patrick has traveled to USA Games in Los Angeles, Orlando and next year he has been chosen to compete in Minneapolis, where he will compete with 5,000+ other Special Olympics athletes from all over North America. Aside from being a top bowling competitor, Patrick also competes in bocce, track and field, flag football, cycling cheer and dance and pickleball. Patrick is a leader on and off the court, he helps other athletes get involved, gives many speeches throughout the community promotion Special Olympics and the great work that they do, always has a positive and uplifting attitude no matter what.
Patrick is a Special Olympics Iowa athlete and currently is an athlete representative on the Board of Directors. Patrick has been competing in Special Olympics for over 20 years and has become an Athlete Leader within his team and throughout the state. Patrick competes in many sports, but where he shines is bowling.
Patrick is an amazing leader and represents the over 10,000+ athletes throughout the state on the Board of Directors. With this role he helps give the athletes a voice when they are discussing long term plans and goals for the organization. Patrick is an amazing athlete. When not competing or practicing, Patrick has worked at the McDonalds in Stuart, Iowa for over 20 years
November 16: Wesley Jusus
Wes is a retired U.S. Marine First Sergeant with over 20 years of service, having served as an artilleryman during both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. After his military career, he joined Ziegler Caterpillar for 35 years of dedicated work. For the past decade, after his retirement, Wes had served as the Adjutant Officer and Honors Coordinator for American Legion Post 111, where he has coordinated and conducted more than 250 military funeral honors and personally trained over 20 honor guard members.
His impact at Post 111 is felt in every facet: whether it's organizing ceremonies, supporting fundraisers, preparing care packages for deployed troops, or stepping in for hands-on work details, Wes is always there. In addition to his work with the Legion, Wes is also an active member of the Jasper County Marine Veterans, where he helps support the annual Marine Corps birthday ceremony.
November 8: Kyle Peterson
Kyle Peterson joined the Iowa National Guard at the age of 17, October 2001. He served in several units (234th signal battalion, 1555th quartermaster, 248th ASB, 334th BSB, 185th CSSB. He was an instructor at Sustainment Training Center at Camp Dodge; he also worked full-time at the USPFO as a federal technician. He deployed to Bagram Airforce Base, Afghanistan in 2016-2017 with the 185th CSSB.
He retired from the National Guard after 21 years in May 2023. Kyle started working at the VA medical Center in Des Moines in March 2022 and he is currently the Assistant Chief of Environmental Services.
November 7: Katie Petru and Tom Brennan
Representing more than 50,000 dedicated team members and 2,900 stores across 19 states, Tom Brennan, Chief Merchandising Officer, and Katie Petru, Director of Communications & Community, were nominated as Leaders of the Pack by Casey's. Casey's is more than just a convenience store — it's a cornerstone of communities where neighbors know each other by name and show up when matters most.
Driven by their purpose to make life better for their communities and guests every day, Casey's gave back in a big way last year: along with their guests, teams, and supplies, Casey's donated $6.6 million to support core needs in local communities, including thousands in Central Iowa.
This November, Casey's guests can continue that tradition of giving by rounding up at the register in their local Casey's store, all in support of our military veterans and their families. This annual campaign raised $1.2 million last year and has contributed over $11 million since 2012.