Greater Des Moines Partnership

Marlena Bandurski joined the newly created Greater Des Moines Partnership in October 1999 as Manager of Economic Research. Her mission was to establish a Regional Resource Center to support the group’s Economic Development marketing efforts and team members. A recent promotion to Vice President of Research reflects the increased demand for data and research support in a larger, thriving region.

Before accepting The Partnership’s invitation, Marlena spent 25 years with the State of Iowa. She honed her research skills in the State Library of Iowa reference department and later held a variety of research and marketing positions at the Iowa Department of Economic Development. 

Marlena is a past board member of Professional Developers of Iowa and past president of the Des Moines Leadership Network. She is an active member of The Council for Community and Economic Research and has enjoyed top leadership roles, elected Board Chair in 2008 and 2014. She currently represents The Partnership in the Economic Development Research Partners Program, the research arm of the International Economic Development Council.