[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAY BYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZACHARY NUNN

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of President Jay Byers, a true servant leader, devoted father 
and husband, and proud Iowan whose lifelong commitment to our state 
inspired all who had the privilege of working with him.
  President Byers was a graduate of Manson High School and a proud 
member of the Simpson College Class of 1993. He earned his law degree 
from the University of Iowa College of Law before beginning his career 
serving the people of Iowa's 3rd district as a staff member for former 
Congressman Leonard Boswell.
  I came to know Jay during his time at the helm of the Greater Des 
Moines Partnership, where he spent more than a decade building one of 
the most respected economic development organizations in the country. 
Under his leadership, the Partnership gained national recognition, 
growing to include 24 affiliate chambers, more than 6,500 members, and 
thousands of businesses across central Iowa.
  I saw President Byers' leadership and commitment firsthand while I 
served in the Iowa Statehouse. He understood intuitively how to unite 
business leaders, educators, and policymakers around a common vision, 
always driven by our shared goal to make Iowa a better place to live, 
work, and raise a family.
  Although Jay spent much of his professional life expanding 
opportunities for Iowa businesses, he never left the Simpson College 
community. He served on the Board of Trustees for 11 years before 
returning to education full-time in 2023 as the 25th president of 
Simpson College, where he kindled a sense of pride and community that 
led the college to its largest freshman class in more than a decade.
  Mr. Speaker, President Byers' passion was building a stronger, more 
connected, and brighter Iowa and that legacy will endure far beyond his 
years of committed service. He is survived by his wife Katie, and their 
daughters, Sophie and Charlotte, who remain in our thoughts and our 
prayers.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring President Jay Byers.

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