Hannah Inman is a Kansas native who has found a personal and professional fit in Iowa.
Inman first came to the state while pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. She met and married her husband, Mike, and after graduating, they spent time in both Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas before returning to Iowa about twenty years ago. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Iowa and holds an Executive MBA from Iowa State University.
Inman has spent much of her career in the nonprofit sector, primarily in the conservation space. She joined the
Great Outdoors Foundation in 2016, serving as chief executive officer since 2019. The Great Outdoors Foundation is focused on advancing conservation through innovation, collaboration and stewardship, often identifying new and nontraditional ways to solve complex conservation issues.
1. How do initiatives that the Great Outdoors Foundation supports improve the quality of life for Iowa residents?
This year the Great Outdoors Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, and we've come a long way over the course of our existence. We're most known for using recreation as a catalyst for conservation with large-scale initiatives like
ICON Water Trails, but over the last 18 months, our organization has had the opportunity to play a larger role in state-wide water quality efforts through our
Conservation Acceleration Fund (CAF). In 2024 alone, the CAF activated more than $28 million in conservation investments, ultimately mitigating more than 1.2 million pounds of nitrate from Iowa's waterways. We focus on voluntary, edge of field practices.
2. What excites you most about the opportunities for conservation and sustainability here in Iowa?
I've been working on conservation in Iowa for nearly two decades, and I have never before seen the kind of engagement embodied by stakeholder groups across the state. There are so many organizations, agencies, and individuals working together to effect change, and this kind of radical collaboration is what it's going to take to move the needle in the right direction. We know that farmers are amazing land stewards, but considerable red tape and hurdles exist. We’re now seeing significant cooperation across sectors working together to remove barriers and accelerate the pace of practices.
3. How are Iowa companies, organizations, government and regulatory authorities and farmers working together to advance conservation work in the state?
There is tremendous synergy around public-private partnerships right now, not just in conservation, but around many quality-of-life issues. We're incredibly fortunate to have partners in the nonprofit, private, and public sectors all united to deliver lasting impact for the environment and people alike. Bringing all of the players to the table allows for maximum performance, allowing each of us to do what we do best and contribute to the overall vision.
4. What advice do you have for someone considering a move or return to Iowa?
Iowa nice is a real thing! When I returned to Iowa, I was amazed by the willingness of leaders to take time and mentor young professionals. Make the most of the access you have to business, civic, and local leadership. Even if you aren't an Iowa native, the state is very welcoming and provides a multitude of opportunities to connect in your community.
My husband and I returned to Iowa because we wanted to start a family, and after living across the country, Iowa was the only place we wanted to raise our children. Since that time, my parents and both brothers have moved to Iowa with their families. So, while I am not a native, I do feel that I am one of the best recruiters for the state.
5. Please share three recommendations of things to do or places to go in Iowa.
If you live in Iowa, you have to bike! From my home, I can leave from my driveway and make it to the Downtown Farmers Market for a pupusa or head west for a root beer float at the Korner Kone in Dallas Center. We also take an annual trip in the fall to northeast Iowa for a weekend of kayaking, biking, and hiking. The Fireman’s Inn in Ridgeway is one of my favorite lunch stops. The Iowa State Fair is best in class — my favorite thing to eat is the lobster roll corndog.
Published April 2025