OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR  
Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer  

  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 19, 2025 
MEDIA CONTACT: Mason Mauro, (515) 745-2840, [email protected] 
  

Gov. Reynolds appoints Steve Lacy and Peter Cownie to Iowa Board of Regents 

DES MOINES— Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the appointments of Steve Lacy and Peter Cownie to the Iowa Board of Regents.  

Steve Lacy is the former CEO of Des Moines-based Meredith Corporation. Lacy joined Meredith in 1998 as the media company’s chief financial officer before he was named chief executive officer in 2006 and executive chairman in 2018. After retiring in 2020, he became Chair-CEO Advisor and Executive Peer Board Leader at Vistage Worldwide, Inc. where he coaches and advises small and midsize businesses on the fundamentals of growth and success. 

“Steve is an accomplished executive with proven success turning an Iowa-grown publishing company into a national media conglomerate with instant brand recognition,” Governor Reynolds said. “He has demonstrated the ability to operate a highly functioning private organization—an essential asset as he steps into this new role working alongside other regents with the goal of propelling our state universities into the next generation of educational excellence.”  

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents and sincerely thank Governor Reynolds for considering me,” Lacy said. “I have enjoyed helping develop and successfully launch the Center for Intellectual Freedom, including participation at The Inaugural Event earlier in December with several existing Regents. I am anxious to work with the Board of Regents to advance higher education in Iowa.” 

Lacy graduated from Kansas State University with a Master of Business Administration degree in 1977. In 2024, he and his wife Cathy Wiltfong Lacy were awarded the Kansas State University Medal of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed on KSU alumni, for their service and contributions to the university. 

Peter Cownie served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2008 to 2018 and was a member of several legislative committees during his time in the State House, including Education, Ways & Means, State Government Efficiency, and more.  

Cownie also has extensive experience in the private sector and civic leadership, with a proven record of collaboration and innovation. He has been actively involved in efforts that support economic growth, workforce development, and community advancement across Iowa.  

Cownie served as President of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa from 2008 to 2013. In 2013, he was named Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, an organization that since its inception has raised more than $200 million to support more than 40 projects throughout the fairgrounds. The Des Moines Business Record named Cownie to its “40 Under 40” list in 2016. 

“Peter Cownie brings a strong background in business leadership, community engagement, and strategic planning,” said Governor Reynolds. “His experience and commitment to public service will be a valuable asset as the Board of Regents continues its important work to ensure our universities remain accessible, affordable, and focused on student success.” 

"I am honored by this appointment from Governor Reynolds to serve on the Board of Regents,” Cownie said. “I look forward to working to ensure our Regents institutions are providing a world class education for our students while also growing our economy in Iowa." 

Peter is a Des Moines native and graduate of Dowling Catholic High School. He attended the University of Virginia for an undergraduate degree and received a Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University.  

Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

 

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