Deidre DeJear
President and CEO
DeJear’s career of nonprofit and community leadership demonstrates her dedication to providing impactful community support. As President & CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, DeJear leads Iowa’s largest affordable housing complex, dedicated to enriching diverse communities through exceptional housing and inclusive support services. Prior to joing Oakridge Neighborhood, DeJear was a long-time owner of a consultancy working with clients on developing and implementing financial education and small business development, and was the 2022 Democratic nominee for Iowa Governor. She 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 she has served on the boards of the Des Moines League of Women Voters, By Degrees, Iowa Community Capital CDFI, and others.