Students will have an opportunity to ask Ames Mayor John Haila questions during a special event from 3:40 p.m. to 4:55 p.m. Thursday in Pearson room 2115.

At the event, co-sponsored by the communication studies and leadership studies programs, Haila will discuss his leadership journey, personal communication style and vision for strengthening the relationship between the city and the university.

A key part of the event will feature Haila responding to student questions and hearing how the city can better support the Iowa State student community.

Haila has served as the mayor of Ames since 2018. Before that, he founded an architecture firm that designed Stomping Grounds and redesigned the interior of the Iowa State School of Education. 

In 2016, Haila sold the architectural firm, which had relocated to Ames nine years earlier, to three employees.

Haila was elected mayor of Ames in 2017 after receiving 58% of the vote against former at-large Rep. Victoria Szopinski. He ran unopposed in 2021, earning 97% of the vote.

About 65,000 people live in Ames, and nearly 36,000 are Iowa State students. With an evolving student population, this dynamic creates unique challenges and opportunities for city leadership, including Haila.

Learn more about Haila on the city of Ames website.