Local leaders across the Ames community will gather Friday for the 2025 State of the Ames Community address. The meeting will feature a panel discussion with prominent figures representing education, government, healthcare and other sectors.

The event, sponsored by organizations including the League of Women Voters of Ames and Story County, the Ames NAACP branch and United Way, offers residents a chance to hear directly from decision-makers shaping the community’s future. It will be broadcast live on Facebook and later aired on KHOI 89.1 FM.

The event will take place at the CityChurch of Ames-Des Moines, located at 2400 Oakwood Rd. Doors open at 11 a.m., with the program slated from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Panelists include Jason Keith, who serves as senior vice president and provost at Iowa State University, a role he began in August. He oversees Iowa State’s seven academic colleges, the graduate college and multiple administrative units, including research and enrollment management.

Also in attendance will be Robert Denson, president and CEO of Des Moines Area Community College. Denson has held this position since 2003, making him the longest-serving president in the college’s history.

Ames Mayor John Haila will also participate. He has been in office since 2018.

Superintendent of Ames Community School District, Scott Grimes, will be in attendance. He oversees educational operations for the district.

Also attending will be Brian Dieter, president and CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center; he has led the organization since 2008.

The Story County Board of Supervisors Chair, Lisa Heddens’ attendance is still to be determined.

An optional lunch from Hickory Park will be available at 11 a.m. for $15 per person. Registration was required by Tuesday. For more information, visit the League of Women Voters’ website.