Iowa
Technology
Summit
LEADERSHIP TRACK
Thriving in a High-Pressure Tech Environment
APR. 7 / 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM / FIRESIDE CHAT
About
Technology professionals at every level are navigating rapid change, rising expectations, limited resources, and constant delivery pressure. In this candid fireside chat, a tech leader and mental health expert explore how burnout shows up across roles, how sustained stress impacts performance, and what sustainable success really looks like.
Takeaways
This session offers practical strategies for maintaining well-being, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience—without sacrificing growth or impact.
Speakers
Frank Vedder
SVP & CIO
LCS
As a transformative leader with deep insights into the ever-evolving world of information technology, Chief Information Officer Dave Ashton plays a crucial role in propelling Holmes Murphy into the future. Dave strives to align our IT team’s capabilities with business needs through clear communication and strong collaborative relationships with leaders and employees.
Before joining Holmes Murphy in 2022, Dave spent nearly three decades with Principal Financial Group, serving as Head of Hong Kong for Principal International and Chief Executive for Principal Trust Company (Asia) Ltd. and Principal Insurance Company
(Hong Kong) Ltd. Dave was actively involved with multiple areas of the business and held several leadership roles, including Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer of Principal International.
Dave earned a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Iowa, and he’s a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) and Associate, Customer Service (ACS). Beyond work, Dave enjoys traveling, attending live sporting events and concerts, and spending time with his wife, Ann, and their sons, Jacob, Tyler, and Nicholas.
Ryan Crane
Executive Director
NAMI Iowa
Ryan Crane is the executive director of NAMI Iowa, a statewide organization which serves as a catalyst around advocacy, education, support and public awareness, so that all Iowans affected by mental illness can lead better lives.
NAMI advocates at the local, state, and national levels for those living with mental health challenges and with serious mental illnesses. NAMI believes in access to quality healthcare, housing, employment, education, and dignity – those with mental health diagnoses and their families can be happy and productive. There is help and hope!
How NAMI approaches the work:
– Educate the public about mental illness
– Advocate for a comprehensive mental health system that provides effective and timely services for those struggling with mental health issues
– Support those with mental illness, their loved ones, and providers
Ryan has more than 15 years of fundraising, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership experience. Prior to joining NAMI Iowa, he successfully led efforts to raise more than $3 million for the renovation of the children’s theatre at Des Moines Playhouse. He has also worked at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and One Iowa.
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