2026 Iowa APSE Conference Wrap Up
Track to Success
The 2026 Iowa APSE Conference was a success thanks to our incredible sponsors, speakers, vendors, and attendees. Your support, insights, and enthusiasm continue to drive our shared mission of advancing inclusive employment opportunities across Iowa. We look forward to seeing you next year!
2026 Iowa APSE Award Winners
Employer of the Year Award
The Employer Award honors a business that champions inclusive hiring and values the contributions of individuals with disabilities. Recipients create supportive workplaces, foster opportunity, and demonstrate how inclusion strengthens both employees and the broader community.
Sue Ann Morrow Leadership Award
Personal Achievement Award
The Personal Achievement Award honors an individual with a disability who has demonstrated exceptional success through integrated employment or self-employment, celebrating their accomplishments and impact in the workforce.
Professional Award
The Professional Award honors a Job Coach, Job Developer, Employment Specialist, or other pro setting the pace in Employment First.
Thanks to Our Speakers
Dr. Joseph Jones
Chief Community Impact Officer, United Way of Central Iowa
Mistie Johnson, MBA
Project Director, Disability Rights Iowa
Cody Clark
Disability Advocate & Magician, Cody Clark Magic
Bethany Friedl
Employment & Development Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Joe Murphy
Transition & Employment Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Jess Kreho
Senior Consultant, Griffin Hammis Associates
John McCalley
Whole Health & Equity Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Jeri Bell
Senior Employment Specialist, One Vision
Judy Warth
Program Manager, University of Iowa Center for Disability & Development
Kaily Hoard
Employment Subject Matter Expert, Iowa Total Care
Donna Wendt
Strategy & Program Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Ryan Kurt
Founder & CEO, The AI Lab
Keri Onstot
Executive Secretary to Treasurer Roby Smith, Iowa State Treasurer’s Office
Jim Plorins
Employment Specialist, Molina Healthcare
Thanks to Our Speakers
Dr. Joseph Jones
Chief Community Impact Officer, United Way of Central Iowa
Mistie Johnson, MBA
Project Director, Disability Rights Iowa
Cody Clark
Disability Advocate & Magician, Cody Clark Magic
Bethany Friedl
Employment & Development Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Joe Murphy
Transition & Employment Coordinator, Networks for Training & Development
Ashlea Lanz
Co-Founder, Value Inclusion Inc.
Ciara Ladroma
Senior Associate, Griffin-Hammis Associates
Duane Schumate
Co-Owner, Elevations Consultation LLC
Kelsey Teeter
Secondary Special Education Program Consultant, Iowa Department of Education
SueAnn Morrow, PhD
Co-Founder, EDGE Inc.
Jess Kreho
Senior Consultant, Griffin Hammis Associates
John McCalley
Whole Health & Equity Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Jeri Bell
Senior Employment Specialist, One Vision
Judy Warth
Program Manager, University of Iowa Center for Disability & Development
Kaily Hoard
Employment Subject Matter Expert, Iowa Total Care
Donna Wendt
Strategy & Program Director, Wellpoint Iowa
Ryan Kurt
Founder & CEO, The AI Lab
Keri Onstot
Executive Secretary to Treasurer Roby Smith, Iowa State Treasurer’s Office
Jim Plorins
Employment Specialist, Molina Healthcare
Thanks to Our Sponsors
