Iowa
Technology
Summit
LEADERSHIP TRACK
The Era of Reinvention: Leadership in an AI‑Driven World
APR. 7 / 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM / AUDIENCE-DRIVEN PANEL
About
Digital transformation was only the beginning. Today, artificial intelligence is reshaping every layer of business and technology, creating new opportunities—and new challenges—for leaders across industries. Organizations must move beyond incremental change and embrace bold strategies that reimagine how they operate, innovate, and grow in an environment defined by constant disruption and accelerating complexity.
This panel will explore what it takes to lead effectively in the era of reinvention. Attendees will gain practical insights into how forward-thinking organizations are leveraging AI to improve decision making, enhance customer and employee experiences, and unlock entirely new business models. Panelists will share real world examples and lessons learned, with discussions focused on leadership mindset, organizational culture, ethical considerations, and change management practices that enable sustained transformation.
Participants will leave with actionable approaches to future-proof their organizations, build resilience, and lead with confidence and clarity through the next wave of AI driven innovation.
Takeaways
- Understand the shift from digital transformation to AI-driven reinvention and what it means for organizational strategy.
- Learn leadership and culture strategies to navigate change and foster innovation.
- Discover practical approaches to future-proof organizations against ongoing technological disruption.
Panelists
Jacey Heuer
Head of AI & Data Science
Pella Corporation
Jacey leads AI, Data Science and Advanced Analytics for Pella Corporation. Pella Corporation, based in the U.S, is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of premium windows and doors. Jacey is a storyteller who bridges the gap between the possible and the practical, fostering organizations to a future enabled by AI. Jacey holds master’s degrees from Iowa State University in business and data science. He carries strong AI & Advanced Analytics experience across many industries including manufacturing, e-commerce, energy, financial services and real estate.
Theresa Swaim
AVP IT Solutions Delivery
F&G
Theresa Swaim is the AVP of IT Solutions Delivery at F&G, where she leads teams of technical and functional professionals driving innovative solutions for Retail IT Marketing, Sales, Distribution and Shared Services. With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of business and technology — and certifications in AI for Business, Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and UX — Theresa brings a practical, people-first perspective on navigating leadership in an AI-driven world. Her expertise in Agile methodologies, digital transformation, and strategic solution delivery makes her a compelling voice for Iowa’s evolving technology landscape.
Crystal Wells
Manager, Cotton and Sugar Engineering
John Deere
Crystal Wells leads the Cotton & Sugar Harvesting Engineering teams at John Deere. Known for her energy around transformation, Crystal focuses on how leaders drive reinvention—aligning people, technology, and execution to embed AI into complex organizations in ways that create lasting customer and business impact. Crystal holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University in Engineering Management, and a bachelor’s from UW Platteville in Electrical Engineering. Her experience spanning electrical systems, software, data, and mechanical components gives her a true systems‑level perspective on how complex products—and organizations—come together, while continuously incorporating new technologies and tools to drive greater efficiency.
MODERATOR
Ryan Downing
Vice President in Information Technology and the Chief Information Officer of Enterprise Business Solutions
Principal Financial Group
Ryan Downing is a Vice President in Information Technology and the Chief Information Officer of Enterprise Business Solutions at the Principal. In this role, he is accountable for the delivery of technology solutions that enable the company’s corporate functions globally as well as shared platforms and capabilities that enable Principal’s customer experience strategy.
Ryan joined Principal in 2004 as a Software Engineer. During his tenure with Principal he has held various engineering leadership roles within the organization. In 2016 Ryan was named Chief Technology Officer for the Latin American Region and spent three years living and working in Santiago, Chile supporting Principal’s businesses in Chile, Mexico, and Brazil. Upon his return to the US in late 2019, Ryan was promoted to AVP, and most recently promoted to VP in 2021. Ryan also previously served as CEO of RobustWealth, a digital wealth management company, acquired by Principal in 2018.
Downing earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University.
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