Franci Phelan, chief human resources officer, is responsible for providing the vital link between the foundation’s diverse and talented staff and the leadership team. She designs strategies to ensure that the foundation remains a preeminent workplace, supporting employees as they partner with grantees and others to make sure all people lead healthy, productive lives.
Phelan comes to the foundation with an extensive background in human resources, including senior level positions in management and organizational development, change management, succession planning, strategy, and integration as well as international assignments. Prior to joining the foundation, Phelan served as vice president of human resources at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a DuPont company. In this role, she was accountable for all elements of the human resources function for the global Pioneer business and was a member of the Pioneer leadership team. In addition to her responsibilities at Pioneer, she was the human resources platform lead for DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition and was a member of the DuPont corporate human resources leadership team. Phelan also brings extensive experience from her tenure at Cummins Engine Company, Miller Brewing Company, TDS Telecom, Principal Financial Group, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Phelan holds a Master of Science in management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Arts in business communication from Arizona State University. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Her community involvement includes service on the board of directors for Hospice of Central Iowa, Special Olympics of Central Iowa, the Des Moines Public Library, and the Des Moines Higher Education Institution. She has also been deeply involved with the United Way of Central Iowa and represents agribusiness on the board of directors for the National Council of Ag Education (NCAE).
