Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Announces Retirement

Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), announced today that he will retire at the end of 2024. Ralston has served as ABI's president since 2005, completing nearly two decades of distinguished service.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to join an organization that is dedicated to giving a unified voice to the businesses of Iowa. It has been the honor and pleasure of my career to work with the board of directors and the very talented team at ABI, who make everything we do happen seamlessly," said Ralston. "It has been an absolute privilege to lead ABI for the final decades of my career and help advance the organization's mission to advocate for a productive business climate, encourage our state's businesses to work together, and to provide education and training to Iowa businesses. I am proud to leave ABI in a position where it can continue to build on our previous successes and help businesses in our great state flourish."

Under Ralston's leadership, ABI has seen significant growth in membership and revenue, expanded its programs and publications, and enhanced services for members. In addition, attendance at ABI's annual signature event, the Taking Care of Business Conference, has more than quadrupled during his tenure. Ralston, who also serves on numerous state and national business and economic boards, has been instrumental in fostering relationships that have contributed to ABI's success.

"On behalf of ABI's Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mike for his unwavering commitment and dedicated service to ABI and its members for the last 20 years," said ABI Chair Chad Reece, Vice President for Government and Industry Relations at Winnebago Industries in Forest City. "Under his leadership, ABI went through a period of unprecedented transformation, innovation and growth, creating powerful resources and the platform for businesses to collaborate and grow together. Mike's dedication to developing the first-class ABI staff that we have today is also an important part of his legacy - with this dynamic and talented team, ABI can continue to deliver great value and service to its members for years to come. We are extremely grateful for Mike's many contributions and we look forward to working with him throughout the upcoming President selection and transition process. We wish him a happy retirement in 2025!"

Continuing the enthusiasm and success that Ralston brought to ABI during his tenure is essential. ABI has initiated a search to select a new President, evaluating both internal and external candidates.