The Board of Directors of Oakridge Neighborhood has named Deidre DeJear the organization’s next President & CEO. DeJear will assume her new role in October.

As President & CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, DeJear will lead Iowa’s largest affordable housing community, dedicated to enriching diverse communities through exceptional housing and inclusive support services. Oakridge Neighborhood offers a supportive environment where children achieve, families thrive, and prosperity is created, providing pathways to personal and economic empowerment.

DeJear will assume the position previously held by Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who led the organization with distinction for 20 years until her passing in March. Kristin Clayton has served as Interim CEO and will remain with the organization as Vice President – Finance and Administration. 

 “I am deeply honored to accept the role of President & CEO at Oakridge Neighborhood,” says DeJear. “This organization holds a special place in my heart, so it is both a privilege and a responsibility to build upon its strong foundation. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, board, and community to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and ensuring that Oakridge remains a beacon of hope and opportunity. As I step into leadership, I am inspired by Teree Caldwell-Johnson’s enduring legacy and the profound mark her visionary leadership has left on Oakridge and the Greater Des Moines community.”

“Deidre’s strong nonprofit and community leadership experience demonstrates her range and dedication to providing impactful community support,” says Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, PhD, Vice President of the Oakridge Neighborhood Board of Directors and Executive Director of The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University. “Her deep care and commitment to the development and well-being of our community makes us confident of a bright future ahead for Oakridge Neighborhood, our residents, clients and staff.”

DeJear is the owner of Caleo Enterprises, an agency working with clients on developing and implementing financial education and small business development throughout Iowa. Clients have included United Way of Central Iowa, Financial Empowerment Center, The Directors Council, Simple Foundation and Oakridge Neighborhood. DeJear was the 2022 Democratic nominee for Iowa Governor and has extensive experience in managing political campaigns and strategies. She began her professional career with Bankers Trust.

DeJear co-founded Back 2 School Iowa as a college student in 2005 and continues to champion the initiative. A passionate advocate for youth and education, she collaborates with communities and corporations to inspire urban youth to pursue their educational and career goals. Through this initiative, over 1,500 children receive school supplies annually, along with support services from more than 50 community organizations.

DeJear currently serves on the boards of the City of Des Moines Housing Services, The Directors Council, and Wright Foundation, and as Board Chair of Healthy Birth Day. She is a member and officer of the Des Moines Chapter of The Links Incorporated, and has served on the boards of the Des Moines League of Women Voters, By Degrees, Iowa Community Capital CDFI, and others.

A graduate of Drake University, DeJear was a Business Publications Top Business Leader (2024), Iowa Association of Business in Industry Leadership Iowa Graduate (2021-2022), and recipient of awards including Women of Influence Emerging Leader (2019), Joanne Zimmerman Activist Award (2019), Young Women’s Resource – Louise Noun Visionary Award (2019), Business Publications Forty Under 40 (2018), and Small Business Administration Minority Business Champion of the Year (2017).