Ashley Thompson

System director of government and external affairs, UnityPoint Health

Age: 39

Spouse: Nate Thompson

Mentor: Denny Linderbaum, president and chief operating officer of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines Foundation

Reasons she is a Forty: Ashley serves as chair of the Story County Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET), a unique board that brings together the city of Ames, Iowa State University, Story County and United Way of Story County in a collaborative effort to allocate $5 million in funding for human service programs. Additionally, she serves on the executive committee of the Iowa Rural Development Council, is a board member of the Iowa Rural Health Association, and is a deputy member of the Iowa Business Council. She has been a leading advocate for passage of landmark emergency medical services, mental health and telehealth legislation in Iowa.

What are your goals in your role at your company? As a leader with one of the largest health care providers in Iowa, I remain focused on ensuring UnityPoint Health remains a strong, positive voice in shaping policy and legislation – most recently in community well-being and recovery from the pandemic. My goal is to always keep our patients and team members at the center of my work. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? Much of my civic involvement is focused around local and statewide efforts to improve the health and vitality of Iowans. My goal is to continue to help develop new and advance current public-private partnerships that support opportunities such as reinvigoration of volunteerism and social connection, workforce and mental health, among others.

What's your biggest passion, and why? Addressing health and social disparities in our communities – particularly through policy change, philanthropic efforts and volunteerism. When passionate leaders, community members and lawmakers come together to provide additional support and advocate for change in areas like mental health, housing or food insecurity, anything is possible.

What is it that drives you? In my 20s, I was a caregiver to a loved one who lost a courageous battle with cancer. The connections he and I made with his care teams, and our experiences with both the incredible and complex aspects of our health care system are what drive me in my work to this day.

What are your future aspirations? I would love to help launch additional nonpartisan initiatives to support Iowa women who are interested in appointed or elected office. While we have seen some improvements, women remain vastly underrepresented in our state Legislature and many local offices. There is tremendous opportunity to expand resources in our great state. 

Three hobbies: Boating on Lake Panorama; walks with my husband, Nate, and our dog, Banjo, through the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor; and family tailgates and attending Cyclone games.

Fun fact: Ashley paced her sister-in-law during a 100-mile marathon and “crewed” her brother when he successfully completed the Barkley Marathons, one of the most difficult ultramarathon trail races in the world.

One word to describe you: Catalyst.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? In the words of my friend and colleague [president and CEO of United Way of Story County] Jean Kresse, “pay your taxes, shop local and give to the United Way!” Any and all things we can do to support local businesses and charities benefits us all.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? My husband and I are avid dog lovers. Our dog and I are certified to provide pet therapy services in health care and educational facilities. We love to visit patients and participate in local programs like “Barks@Parks” at Iowa State University to help students cope with stress. 

I'm a University of Northern Iowa and University of Georgia alum, and may or may not have shed tears of absolute joy when my beloved Dawgs won the CFP National Championship after a 40-plus-year drought.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Act as if everything you do makes a difference. What was a simple offer of support from my mentor on my behalf opened up an entirely new professional opportunity that ignited my passion for health care. Even the smallest act of kindness may change the lives of others for the better.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? We must continue to act upon and prioritize the mental health crisis our communities are facing, particularly among our youth and health care workforce. The pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges so many of our friends, loved ones and health care heroes face. The future health and well-being of the next generation depend on the support and investments we make today.