Larry Zimpleman, BN’73, GR’79, started his term as chair of the Drake University Board of Trustees today. Zimpleman, chairman, president and CEO of the Principal Financial Group, has been a member of the board of trustees since 2006.
Zimpleman received his bachelor’s in actuarial science and master’s in business administration from Drake. In 1971, Zimpleman joined the Principal Financial Group as an actuarial intern. He held a variety of executive and leadership positions with the company before being named president and CEO in 2008 and chairman in 2009.
Since graduating from Drake, he has maintained strong ties with the University. Zimpelman regularly visits campus to speak to students about financial topics and professionalism; he also serves as co-chair of the distinctlyDrake campaign. He and his wife Kathleen, LA’76, recently made a $1 million contribution to Drake to support international programs and services.
In addition to his dedication to Drake, Zimpelman is very active within the Des Moines community. He serves as chairman of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is a member of the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress board. He is also involved in local and national business-related organizations.
Zimpleman succeeds Donald Fletcher, retired president of Hallmark – North American and International Hallmark Cards, Inc., as chair.