About Iowa Workforce Development

About

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers and to serving employers by helping them find the skilled workforce they need. Both groups can connect with each other through IowaWorks.gov, the state’s largest job bank.

Job seekers can find a variety of career counseling and workshop services by visiting IowaWorks.gov or one of the IowaWORKS centers located around the state. IWD supports employers through its Business Engagement Division and provides a variety of resources and one-on-one support. This includes helping employers to post jobs, recruit veterans, apply for qualifying federal tax credits, and connect with workforce training programs available through several state programs.

IWD continually strives to improve processes and align the organization in such a way that it provides effective, demand-driven products and services. In July 2023, the state centralized Iowa’s workforce-related programs and services within IWD, adding Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and the Adult Education and Literacy programs to the agency. VRS will continue to work with Iowans who have a disability to help them prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. The alignment of these programs and additions to IWD are expected to streamline the resources and services available to all Iowans seeking new careers.

VISION

To create, enable and sustain the most future ready workforce in the nation.

MISSION

Serving Iowans. 

Agency Leadership Team

Beth Townsend
Executive Director

Director Townsend is the Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), a state agency that helps Iowans find jobs and employers find a skilled workforce.  As a result of realignment in 2023, IWD now administers all WIOA programs including Vocational Rehabilitation, various state workforce programs, the unemployment insurance program and disability determination services for the state of Iowa.

Director Townsend has been in her current position since 2015, was reappointed in 2019 and 2023, and confirmed by the Iowa Senate each time.  Director Townsend practiced law in Iowa until she was appointed as the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission in 2011.  Director Townsend previously served in the United States Air Force as a member of Judge Advocate General and retired in 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force Reserve after 21 years of active and reserve duty.

Georgia Van Gundy
Deputy Director

Georgia is a business and community leader in Iowa.  She most recently served as the Chief Administrative Officer at Hy-Vee, Inc overseeing multiple functions including human resources, employee development and engagement, communications, government & community relations, legal, compliance and risk. Prior to that position, she served as executive director of the Iowa Business Council (IBC), an organization made up of CEOs and top executives from the  largest employers in Iowa. 

 Georgia has more than two decades of policy and legislative experience, both in Iowa and nationally. She also has been a key player in developing statewide initiatives that make Iowa a great place to live, work and raise a family.  Prior to her roles at Hy-Vee and IBC, she led key global initiatives for a Fortune 250 company.  

Georgia has been heavily involved in numerous non-profit and trade organizations focused on improving Iowa’s economic and social climate. Georgia was named one of the Des Moines Business Record’s 2019 Women of Influence and several Top Women in Retail and Grocery recognitions.

Georgia is an Iowa native and a graduate  of Iowa  State  University with a bachelor’s degree  in  finance. She enjoys participating in activities with her family, exercising and watching sporting events.

Jon Peppetti
Chief Operating Officer

Jon joined Iowa Workforce Development in May 2019 as an attorney in the Legal Department.  From March 2020 to September 2023, Jon served as Chief of Staff responsible for organizing and aligning strategic priorities across the agency.  From September 2023 to November 2024, Jon served as Deputy Director (Employment & Training) overseeing the American Job Centers Division, Business Engagement Division, Labor Market Information Division, and Workforce Services Division.  In November 2024, Jon assumed his current role as Chief Operating Officer responsible for initiating and implementing policy decisions impacting both the day-to-day and long-range operations of all facets of IWD’s mission. 

Prior to joining IWD, Jon served on active duty for 21 years in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, retiring as a Captain.  Jon received his Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree in international and comparative law from the George Washington University Law School.  Jon is licensed to practice law in Iowa and Pennsylvania.

Annual Reports

View IWD's recent annual reports and the services that were provided to Iowans.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy Statement

The Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy Statement and supporting documents are provided for review.