Deloitte’s Des Moines Office Leader Spotlights Lifelong Learning in Hospitality & Tourism

On a quiet Monday morning in late April 2026, the skyline of Des Moines, Iowa, glinted under a pale sun as professionals filed into the sleek glass tower at 699 Walnut Street. Among them was Chris Terhark, the newly appointed leader of Deloitte’s Des Moines office, stepping into a role that symbolizes more than just a corporate reshuffle—it’s a microcosm of how Iowa’s capital is quietly transforming into a hub for professional services, hospitality and lifelong learning. For locals, this isn’t just another executive appointment. it’s a signal of how Des Moines is carving out a niche in an economy increasingly defined by adaptability, niche expertise, and the kind of hyper-local collaboration that turns global firms into community anchors.

Terhark’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Iowa’s professional landscape. Deloitte, a name synonymous with Fortune 500 consulting, has long been a fixture in major U.S. Cities, but its growing presence in Des Moines reflects a broader trend: the decentralization of high-value services. No longer confined to coastal megacities, firms like Deloitte are planting roots in mid-sized metros where talent is abundant, costs are lower, and the quality of life attracts professionals who might otherwise flock to Chicago or Minneapolis. For Des Moines, this isn’t just about jobs—it’s about redefining what it means to be a “second-tier” city in an era where remote perform and specialized expertise are leveling the playing field.

The implications ripple far beyond the 18th floor of the Walnut Street tower. Terhark’s leadership, as highlighted in the Business Record’s April 24, 2026 cover story, is positioned at the intersection of two of Iowa’s most dynamic sectors: professional services and hospitality. The latter, in particular, has seen a surge in momentum, driven by a mix of youth sports tournaments, outdoor recreation, and a tourism industry that’s finally shaking off the lingering effects of the pandemic. The Business Record notes that Iowa’s lodging performance in 2026 is strong, a trend that’s not just great news for hoteliers but for the entire ecosystem of consultants, event planners, and service providers who keep the industry humming.

But why does this matter to the average Des Moines resident? For one, it’s a testament to the city’s ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. Terhark’s background—her love of numbers, her family’s influence—isn’t just personal trivia; it’s a narrative that resonates in a city where education, mentorship, and lifelong learning are increasingly seen as economic drivers. Deloitte’s Des Moines office isn’t just a satellite of a global firm; it’s a local institution that partners with Iowa State University, Drake University, and community colleges to cultivate the next generation of professionals. This kind of symbiotic relationship between corporations and educational institutions is becoming a blueprint for how mid-sized cities can compete in a knowledge-based economy.

Then there’s the hospitality angle. Des Moines has long been a convention and sports hub, but the recent growth in tourism—fueled by events like the NCAA wrestling championships and the burgeoning youth sports industry—has created a ripple effect. Hotels, restaurants, and even local retailers are benefiting, but they’re similarly facing new challenges: labor shortages, rising operational costs, and the need for specialized expertise to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. This is where firms like Deloitte come in. Their Brand Operations Services, for example, offers consultative support to hospitality clients, helping them optimize everything from guest experiences to back-end operations. For local business owners, this means access to world-class resources without having to leave the state.

Yet, the story of Deloitte’s Des Moines office isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about cultural shift. The firm’s emphasis on “inclusion, collaboration, and high performance” isn’t just corporate jargon; it’s a reflection of Des Moines’ evolving identity. The city has long been known for its Midwestern work ethic and affordability, but in recent years, it’s also become a magnet for young professionals, remote workers, and entrepreneurs drawn to its burgeoning food scene, vibrant arts district, and outdoor amenities like the Des Moines Riverwalk. Terhark’s appointment is a nod to this changing demographic, signaling that Des Moines is no longer just a pit stop between Chicago and Omaha but a destination in its own right.

For local professionals, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the influx of global firms like Deloitte creates new career pathways for Iowans who might have previously felt compelled to leave the state for high-paying jobs. It raises the bar for local businesses, which must now compete with deep-pocketed corporations for talent and clients. This tension isn’t unique to Des Moines—it’s playing out in cities like Tulsa, Oklahoma; Boise, Idaho; and Raleigh, North Carolina—but the way Des Moines navigates it could set a precedent for how mid-sized metros balance growth with community identity.

The Hospitality Boom: A Double-Edged Sword

Des Moines’ hospitality industry is riding a wave of momentum, but it’s not without its growing pains. The Business Record highlights the city’s strong lodging performance in 2026, driven by a mix of youth sports tournaments, outdoor recreation, and corporate events. The Iowa Cubs’ minor league games, the Iowa State Fair, and the annual 80/35 Music Festival all contribute to a steady stream of visitors, but the real game-changer has been the rise of youth sports. Events like the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals have turned Des Moines into a destination for families, filling hotels and restaurants for weeks at a time.

This surge in tourism has been a boon for local businesses, but it’s also exposed gaps in the city’s infrastructure. Labor shortages, particularly in the service industry, have forced hotels and restaurants to get creative with hiring and retention. Some have turned to temporary staffing agencies, even as others are investing in training programs to upskill existing employees. The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), for example, offers a Hospitality Management program that partners with local employers to provide hands-on experience, but the demand for skilled workers still outpaces supply.

Then there’s the issue of regulatory complexity. As Des Moines’ hospitality sector grows, so do the challenges of zoning, permitting, and compliance. The city’s recent push to revitalize its downtown core has led to a flurry of new hotel and restaurant projects, but navigating the bureaucratic hurdles can be daunting for small business owners. This is where firms like Deloitte come in, offering expertise in everything from site selection to operational efficiency. For local entrepreneurs, partnering with a global consultancy might seem like overkill, but in an industry where margins are thin and competition is fierce, it can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

The Lifelong Learning Imperative

Terhark’s emphasis on “lifelong learning” isn’t just a personal philosophy—it’s a business strategy. In an era where technology and consumer preferences evolve at breakneck speed, professionals who stop learning risk becoming obsolete. Deloitte’s Des Moines office is positioning itself as a hub for continuous education, offering everything from leadership development programs to technical training in emerging fields like data analytics and cybersecurity. This focus on upskilling isn’t just good for employees; it’s a competitive advantage for the firm itself, allowing it to attract top talent and deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients.

For Des Moines, this culture of lifelong learning is a natural fit. The city has long been a leader in education, with institutions like Drake University and Iowa State University driving innovation in fields like agriculture, business, and engineering. The recent growth of coding bootcamps and professional certification programs reflects a broader shift toward skills-based education, where credentials matter more than degrees. This is particularly relevant in Iowa, where the workforce is aging and industries like manufacturing and agriculture are grappling with labor shortages. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, Des Moines is positioning itself as a city where professionals can grow their careers without having to relocate.

But lifelong learning isn’t just about formal education. It’s also about adaptability—the ability to pivot when industries change or new opportunities arise. Terhark’s own career trajectory is a case in point. Her background in numbers and her family’s influence shaped her early career, but her success at Deloitte is a testament to her ability to evolve. In a city like Des Moines, where the economy is diversifying and new industries are emerging, this kind of adaptability is becoming a prerequisite for success.

The Ripple Effect: How Deloitte’s Presence Shapes Des Moines’ Future

Deloitte’s growing footprint in Des Moines isn’t just about the firm itself—it’s about the ripple effects it creates across the local economy. For starters, the firm’s presence attracts other professional services companies, creating a cluster effect that benefits everyone from accountants to marketing agencies. This kind of agglomeration is a key driver of economic growth, as it fosters collaboration, innovation, and competition.

Then there’s the impact on the city’s real estate market. As more professionals move to Des Moines for jobs at firms like Deloitte, demand for housing—particularly in walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods like the East Village and Sherman Hill—is on the rise. This has led to a wave of new residential and mixed-use developments, but it’s also driven up prices, pricing some long-time residents out of the market. The city is grappling with how to balance growth with affordability, a challenge that’s playing out in cities across the country.

Finally, there’s the cultural impact. Deloitte’s emphasis on inclusion and collaboration reflects a broader shift in Des Moines’ identity. The city has long been known for its Midwestern friendliness, but in recent years, it’s also become a hub for diversity and innovation. Events like the Des Moines Pride Festival and the Latino Heritage Festival celebrate the city’s growing multiculturalism, while initiatives like the Des Moines Social Club and the Science Center of Iowa foster creativity and curiosity. For a city that was once seen as a sleepy state capital, this cultural renaissance is a sign of things to come.

What This Means for Des Moines Residents

For locals, the story of Deloitte’s Des Moines office is more than just a business headline—it’s a roadmap for how to thrive in a changing economy. Whether you’re a young professional looking to advance your career, a small business owner navigating the complexities of growth, or a community leader shaping the city’s future, the trends highlighted in the Business Record’s cover story offer valuable insights.

If you’re a professional, the rise of firms like Deloitte means new opportunities for career growth, but it also means you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s pursuing a certification, attending a workshop, or simply staying curious, the ability to adapt will be key to success in Des Moines’ evolving job market.

For small business owners, particularly in the hospitality sector, the growth of tourism and professional services presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, there’s more demand than ever for local goods and services. Competition is fierce, and the bar for quality and innovation is rising. Partnering with consultants, investing in employee training, and staying attuned to industry trends can assist you stay ahead.

And for community leaders, the story of Deloitte’s Des Moines office is a reminder of the importance of collaboration. The city’s ability to attract and retain top talent depends on its ability to foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and opportunity. This means investing in education, supporting small businesses, and creating a city where people want to live, work, and play.

Local Resource Guide: Navigating Des Moines’ Evolving Economy

Given my background in economic journalism and community development, I’ve seen firsthand how trends like the ones shaping Des Moines can create both opportunities and challenges for local residents. If you’re looking to capitalize on the city’s growth—or simply navigate its complexities—here are three types of local professionals you might need to connect with:

Boutique Consulting Firms Specializing in Hospitality and Tourism

As Des Moines’ hospitality sector grows, so does the need for specialized expertise. Boutique consulting firms can help hotels, restaurants, and event planners optimize their operations, navigate regulatory hurdles, and stay ahead of industry trends. When hiring a consultant, seem for:

• Local experience: Firms with a deep understanding of Des Moines’ market, including its seasonal fluctuations and key events (e.g., the Iowa State Fair, NCAA tournaments).
• Industry-specific expertise: Consultants who specialize in hospitality, tourism, or event management, rather than generalists.
• A track record of collaboration: Firms that work closely with local institutions like the Iowa Tourism Office or the Greater Des Moines Partnership to leverage resources and networks.

Workforce Development and Upskilling Specialists

With lifelong learning becoming a cornerstone of career success, professionals in Des Moines need access to high-quality training and development programs. Workforce development specialists can help individuals and businesses identify skill gaps, design training programs, and connect with educational institutions. When seeking out these professionals, prioritize:

• Partnerships with local employers: Specialists who work closely with companies like Deloitte, Principal Financial Group, or Wells Fargo to align training programs with industry needs.
• Flexible learning options: Programs that offer evening classes, online courses, or hybrid models to accommodate working professionals.
• Credentials with real-world value: Certifications and training programs that are recognized by employers and can lead to tangible career advancement.

Zoning and Land Use Attorneys

As Des Moines’ real estate market heats up, navigating zoning laws, permitting, and land use regulations has become increasingly complex. Zoning attorneys can help businesses and developers secure the approvals they need to launch or expand their operations. Key criteria to look for include:

• Local expertise: Attorneys who are familiar with Des Moines’ zoning codes, as well as the nuances of working with the city’s planning and development departments.
• A track record of success: Experience securing approvals for projects similar to yours, whether it’s a new hotel, restaurant, or mixed-use development.
• Collaborative approach: Attorneys who work closely with architects, engineers, and city officials to streamline the approval process and avoid costly delays.

Des Moines is at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will shape the city’s future for decades to come. Whether you’re a professional, a business owner, or simply a resident invested in the community, staying informed and connected is key to navigating this evolving landscape.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated Business Record Insider, Previous Issues experts in the Des Moines area today.