EveryStep Names Six New Board and Trustee Members
DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 27, 2026) — EveryStep has named six new members to its board of directors and board of trustees, bringing experience in health care, philanthropy, finance, marketing, human resources and organizational leadership to the nonprofit organization. The new members began their terms July 1.
The new board of directors members are Kim Medici Shelquist, retired senior vice president of planning and development at Homesteaders Life Company; Ryan Mertens, DO, pulmonologist at The Iowa Clinic; Suzanne Mineck, founder and CEO of Mineck Advisors; and Glen Reineke, senior vice president – chief actuary at F&G.
EveryStep’s board of directors members play a vital role in guiding the organization’s mission by providing strategic oversight, ensuring financial and ethical integrity and supporting leadership. They commit to attending meetings, serving on committees and actively participating in fundraising and outreach efforts to help advance the organization’s impact.
The new board of trustees members are Nicole Galles, director of marketing at Delta Dental of Iowa, and Jenny Livingston, vice president of human resources at R&R Realty.
EveryStep’s board of trustees members are responsible for safeguarding the foundation’s resources, ensuring they are used wisely and overseeing activities that support the foundation’s long-term success. They also ensure the foundation operates legally, ethically and stays true to its mission.
“We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to EveryStep’s boards,” said Tray Wade, president and CEO of EveryStep. “Their collective experience and strong community connections will bring valuable perspectives to our organization as we strengthen our programs, broaden our reach and continue meeting the needs of Iowans across the communities we serve.”
The new board and trustee members include:
EveryStep’s New Board of Directors
Kim Medici Shelquist has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, communications, marketing and organizational development within the end-of-life care and insurance industries. She most recently served as senior vice president of planning and development at Homesteaders Life Company, where she established the company’s first planning and development team and led quality improvement and industry partnership initiatives. Previously, she served on the executive leadership team at EveryStep Hospice, where she led community engagement and educational initiatives that contributed to organizational growth.
Ryan Mertens, DO, is a pulmonologist at The Iowa Clinic, where he has practiced since 2022. He completed his pulmonary and critical care training at Creighton University after previously practicing internal medicine at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital for six years. A native of Burlington, Iowa, he earned his undergraduate degree from Saint Ambrose University and attended Des Moines University for medical school. He returned to the Des Moines area following his fellowship and currently resides in Urbandale with his wife and four children.
Suzanne Mineck is founder and CEO of Mineck Advisors, where she advises individuals, families and foundations on philanthropic giving and strategy. She also serves as executive director of the Thomas and Linda Koehn Foundation. Previously, she was president and CEO of Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. In 2022, Mineck was named Norway’s honorary consul for Iowa and Nebraska. She also serves on nonprofit boards and committees, including the Harwood Institute, Iowa ACEs 360 and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund Governance Committee. She graduated from Luther College.
Glen Reineke is senior vice president – chief actuary at F&G, with more than 20 years of leadership experience in finance, actuarial strategy, capital management and reinsurance. He leads F&G’s corporate actuarial and reinsurance teams. Previously, he served as senior vice president of reinsurance at F&G and held senior leadership roles at Athene, where he led reinsurance, capital management, actuarial pricing, and financial strategy functions.
EveryStep’s New Board of Trustees
Nicole Galles is director of marketing at Delta Dental of Iowa, where she leads marketing strategy, execution and product development supporting individual and employer group lines of business. She has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, with expertise in product development, integrated marketing campaigns, marketing automation and customer experience. Galles holds a degree in marketing from Iowa State University and serves on the boards of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals Iowa Chapter and the National Association of Vision Care Plans.
Jenny Livingston is vice president of human resources at R&R Realty, with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning property management and human resources. In her role, she focuses on aligning people, organizational culture and business performance to support long-term goals. Her governance experience includes board service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, the Institute of Real Estate Management and Women of Norwalk, where she has contributed to strategic oversight and community initiatives. Livingston also brings experience in organizational leadership, financial stewardship and nonprofit service.
To learn more about EveryStep, its leadership and board members, please visit www.everystep.org.
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About EveryStep
One of Iowa’s oldest and most trusted nonprofits, EveryStep has been providing health care and community services since 1908. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and support when it matters most. From hospice care and home health services to programs for growing families and grief and loss support, our dedicated team walks alongside individuals and families during life’s most challenging times, ensuring compassion, dignity and empathy. To learn more about EveryStep and its more than 20 programs and services, please visit www.everystep.org.
