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.
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.