Leadership

Bob Vander Plaats, President & CEO, The FAMiLY LEADER

Bob received his master’s degree from Drake University in Educational Leadership.  Bob is a former teacher, coach, and principal.  Bob led initiatives at Opportunities Unlimited that researched beneficial synergies of three noted not-for-profit corporations serving people with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other life-altering disabilities.    He has served on the Iowa Brain Injury Governor’s Advisory Council and has authored the book, “Light from Lucas” in honor of his disabled son.  Bob was State Chair for “Huckabee for President” campaign in 2007-08.  He was the Republican primary gubernatorial candidate in both 2002 and 2010.   As president of MVP Leadership, Vander Plaats offers excellence in leadership through executive consultation, strategic vision, and leadership development initiatives.  Bob served as Chairman for the history-making Iowa For Freedom initiative that ousted three Iowa Supreme Court Justices.

Chuck Hurley, President, Iowa Family Policy Center

As President of the Iowa Family Policy Center since 1998, Chuck Hurley has bravely worked to promote and protect marriage, the centerpiece of our culture.  Before becoming President of IFPC, Hurley spent 15 years in private practice as an attorney and maintains his law license today.  Hurley also spent 6 years in the Iowa Legislature as a state representative from 1991-1996 and served as the chair and vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee.  Chuck and his wife, Chris, have been married 28 years.  During their marriage, they have been both foster and adoptive parents.

Lynn Nelson, President, Marriage Matters

Before serving as President of Marriage Matters, Lynn also served couples as a Regional Coordinator and the Project Coordinator for Marriage Matters.  Lynn lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband, Gary, and their daughter, Ellie.  Lynn and Gary were married in 1992 and have been blessed with two wonderful children.  Gary is a partner in the law firm of Rush & Nicholson in Cedar Rapids.  Lynn and Gary feel their marriage has been

richly blessed by working together as marriage mentors, leading small groups on marriage, leading marriage enrichments, and training other mentor couples.