New Co-Chair to Champion STEM Council

Diane Young has been appointed STEM Council co-chair to serve alongside Governor Reynolds.
Diane Young, Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services, has been appointed STEM Council co-chair to serve alongside Governor Reynolds.
Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services, Diane Young, to serve as the next STEM Council co-chair, succeeding Accumold CEO and president Roger Hargens.
 
In 2008, Young’s entrepreneurial vision motivated her to build an analytical laboratory from the ground up in her home community of Cherokee, Iowa. Her business acumen, as well as her experience with laboratory management, sparked her entrepreneurial passion. Foundation Analytical Laboratory provides chemical and microbiological analysis for animal feed, food quality, biofuels, pet food, water quality, and more.
 
Young has been a long-time proponent of STEM education. This inspiration led to the creation of her science-based business, giving STEM-educated individuals a reason to return to the Cherokee area. By providing quality, high-paying career opportunities in science and technology, she could attract young talent while enhancing her hometown economy. Her team began with two full-time employees and an intern and has now grown to 26 “highly-educated Iowa farm kids who do whatever it takes.”
 
“Diane Young has a passion for engaging with Iowa students and not only promoting the career opportunities that exist in Iowa—but creating additional opportunities herself,” said Governor Reynolds. “The STEM Council continually strives to give every single student across the state access to STEM education, and Diane’s contributions will be invaluable as we prepare the future workforce and advance STEM in Iowa.” 
 
“I am grateful to Governor Reynolds for choosing me to co-chair the STEM Council,” said Young. “I am honored to be following in the footsteps of the rock stars that have championed this initiative and to work with the extremely talented members of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.”
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