David A. Stark
BBA 1994, Management
Johnston, Iowa
At the age of 33, David Stark is thinking big and making a difference in his community through his work as executive vice president/chief operating officer of Iowa Health – Des Moines. Stark is the second-highest ranking official with Iowa Health, which includes Iowa Methodist, Iowa Lutheran, and Blank Children’s Hospitals in Des Moines. He recently helped raise $1.4 million through philanthropic contributions to support the building of a new emergency room at Iowa Lutheran, which serves more than 30,000 people annually. Having a positive impact on people’s lives and improving community health, Stark says, are the most rewarding aspects of his job. His many successes and overall commitment to enhancing his organization have resulted in his being named “Best Up and Coming Business Leader Under 40” by The Business Record in both 2002 and 2003.
Rivaling the impressive nature of his professional achievements are Stark’s contributions to the community. He sits on numerous boards and is also a current member of Rotary and an adjunct faculty member at Des Moines University. Stark was an extremely involved student, including roles as a Cyclone Guide with the Student Alumni Association and as president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He later served from 1996-2002 as Phi Delta Theta’s chapter adviser. Today Stark continues his involvement with ISU as a student mentor volunteer with the College of Business, a volunteer with the Strategic Planning Advisory Group, and by providing an internship at Iowa Health for ISU dietetics students. He is a member of the National Cyclone Club and a lifetime member of the ISU Alumni Association. One of five siblings to graduate from Iowa State, Stark says his family is his greatest blessing. He shares his home with his wife Becky (liberal studies ’95) and three children: Kira, Ainsley, and Cael.
