Junior Achievement of the Heartland Welcomes Lysa Hegland as New President & CEO
Experienced Local Leader to Guide the Organization’s Vision for Accelerating Economic Opportunity and Mobility for Youth
Junior Achievement of the Heartland is proud to announce Lysa Hegland as its new President & CEO, effective Wednesday, August 20. Hegland brings over 25 years of leadership in education, nonprofit development, and community engagement across the Quad City area.
She succeeds Dougal Nelson, who has led the organization with dedication and care, expanding JA’s reach and impact for students throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. “Lysa is a strong, community-minded leader who understands the power of education and connection,” said Outgoing President, Dougal Nelson. “Her track record speaks for itself, and I am confident she will lead JA of the Heartland with integrity, energy, and a real focus on students. The future is bright under her leadership.”
Hegland joins JA during an exciting time of growth, as the organization focuses on ensuring more students gain access to real-world learning opportunities that help them explore careers, build financial knowledge, and develop key life skills. Junior Achievement is deepening its partnerships with local schools, offering classroom programs, career fairs, and simulations like JA Inspire® and the JA Stock Market Challenge, while also expanding district-wide efforts that embed JA programs into everyday curriculum.
“JA helps students see what’s possible—and gives them the tools to get there,” said Hegland. “JA has always been about preparing young people for their future. I’m honored to join a team that’s so committed to making sure every student in our region has access to these kinds of meaningful learning experiences.”
Brian Duffy, Immediate Past Chair of the Governing Board of Directors, added: “We are excited to welcome Lysa to JA of the Heartland. Her passion for education, deep ties in the community, and strong leadership experience make her a perfect fit for this role. We look forward to working together to expand our impact and ensure more students across the region are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed.”
Before joining JA, Hegland spent 18 years at Scott Community College, where she served as Director of Operations and Resource Development and as Executive Director of the Scott Community College Foundation. There, she managed key campus operations and oversaw the foundation’s philanthropic efforts, leading initiatives to support students and advance educational programs. She is proudly a member of a local women’s investment club – the Lucrative Ladies. She also previously held leadership roles at Renew Moline/Moline Center Partners and Simon Property Group and has been active in numerous community and professional organizations, including various QCA Women’s giving and leadership networks and AFP Quad Cities. Hegland holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and a BA in Business Management from St. Ambrose University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Junior Achievement of the Heartland staff and Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Lysa Hegland to the team. Her leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the organization as it continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of today’s students. With a renewed focus on access, opportunity, and real-world learning, JA is committed to helping young people build brighter futures—and strengthening the communities we all call home.
About Junior Achievement of the Heartland
Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Visit heartland.ja.org for more information.
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