Debi Durham is a longtime economic and community development professional who serves as Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). Durham was named to the positions by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds in January 2019.
Durham was first appointed to lead IEDA in 2011, and during her eight-year tenure, has turned the agency into a successful public-private partnership, landed billion-dollar economic development projects for Iowa and worked tirelessly on expanding trade and investment opportunities for the state. She prides herself on building coalitions, supporting new ventures and strengthening the state’s industries and communities.
Prior to joining IEDA, Durham served as president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Her several accolades include being recognized as one of the “Most Influential Business Leaders” in the 2019 Des Moines Business Record Book of Lists and receiving the Technology Association of Iowa’s “Legislative Advocacy Leader” award in 2017. Durham also was recognized by the Business Record as a “Woman of Influence” in 2016.
Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing and Management from Missouri Southern State University.