Drake University announced today the appointment of Jessica Vanden Berg as Executive Director of the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy (OIPD). A senior strategy and public affairs executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex national initiatives, campaigns, and governmental offices, Vanden Berg will assume leadership of the Institute to advance its mission of civic participation, civil discourse, and democratic revitalization.
The appointment marks a pivotal milestone for the Institute, which was established in 2023 via a $5 million naming gift from alumnus Ron Olson and his wife, Jane. Vanden Berg’s arrival fulfills the Olsons’ original intention to hire a permanent, full-time leader for the Institute to scale its impact locally and nationally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica Vanden Berg to lead the Olson Institute for Public Democracy,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “Jessica brings expansive political connections, deep operational expertise, and a strong commitment to nonpartisan civic leadership. She is uniquely equipped to turn the Olsons’ inspiring vision into reality, further advancing Drake’s position as a leader in strengthening American democracy “
A Bold Vision for the Future
Vanden Berg, an Iowa native who has served as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives and managed high-profile national advocacy campaigns, has outlined a forward-looking strategy for OIPD—expanding upon current initiatives and programming to further foster democratic discourse, dialogue, and action through multi-dimensional public participation and civic leadership.
“When we look at the state of public discourse today, the Institute’s mission to revitalize democracy has never been more important,” said Vanden Berg. “Every voice matters in our democracy—especially our students and future leaders. We want Drake and the Institute to be a definitive voice on improving the state of our democracy. Grounding our work right here in Iowa, we will, among other activities and initiatives, support meaningful student engagement and research and prepare future leaders to collaborate across political differences with respect and purpose.”
OIPD Achievements
As the Institute transitions to full-time leadership, President Martin expressed gratitude for the success achieved under its inaugural co-executive directors.
“The Institute’s remarkable momentum is a direct result of the leadership of those who have served as co-executive directors to date—Professor Rachel Paine Caufield and Scott Raecker, Executive Director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center,” said Martin. “They have done a wonderful job advancing the efforts of OIPD from its inception while simultaneously managing their extensive duties elsewhere on campus. I am deeply grateful for the foundation they have built for the Institute and what it means for its future.”
Under the leadership of Professor Paine Caufield and Raecker, OIPD has successfully implemented several signature initiatives, including:
- The Public Democracy Scholars Program: Each year, OIPD welcomes a cohort of five new scholars selected through a competitive process (20 scholars in total at any given time). The scholars receive financial support for tuition, a funded trip to Washington, D.C. for a policy-focused travel seminar, support for summer internships, and professional development for public service careers after graduation.
- Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy: In association with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, OIPD has held the annual Civic Leadership Academy for high school students since 2023. The Academy is a three-day seminar featuring extensive programming to help students focus on core tenets of civic leadership, while participating in service projects benefiting the community.
- National Civility Summit for Local Government: Since 2023, this annual summit—hosted in partnership with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center and the Iowa League of Cities—has brought together local government leaders from across the country to address how they solve complex issues facing local government while fostering civility. The 2026 Summit was themed Adaptability in a Changing Environment and focused on how to navigate a rising tide of economic, social, and political pressures.
- Practitioner-in-Residence: In June of 2024, OIPD appointed Iowa State Representative and former U.S. Congressman David Young as practitioner-in-residence thanks to a generous gift from Patty and Jim Cownie. Young has since led many efforts with students, including service projects, travel opportunities, and first-year seminars.
- Cooperative Relationships: OIPD has forged relationships with affiliated campus partners to create unique opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. One such example is a partnership with the Council of State Governments (CSG). In association with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center and CSG, OIPD is working directly with state legislative leaders in all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as legislators throughout Canada and Mexico.
About Ron and Jane Olson
The Institute honors the legacy of Ron and Jane Olson, whose biographies reflect a deep and abiding commitment to democracy. Ron Olson’s journey took him from a small Iowa farm to Drake University, where he graduated with a bachelor degree business in 1963. After law school he served in the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and in 1967 he began a distinguished legal career spanning decades as partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson, where he represented clients including Norman Lear, the founders of Google, and Berkshire Hathaway. Jane’s work has also closely aligned with the Olson Institute’s mission. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska, she dedicated more than 40 years to global humanitarian work. She has worked with The International Rescue Committee and spent several decades collaborating with Human Rights Watch, including a seven-year stint as its international board chair. Jane is a published author of World Citizen, Journeys of a Humanitarian, and is a frequent speaker nationally, including having been hosted at The Harkin Institute at Drake.
To learn more about the Institute, visit the website.