Des Moines Mom Movers & Shakers is an annual series celebrating local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in the community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved in, and the work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
April Schmaltz is the president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa and loves being a leader in the community.
Tell us a little about yourself and your family
I’m a proud mom and wife of 25 years, and I love staying connected to everything that keeps our family moving. My son, Jack, is heading into his junior year at Buena Vista University, where he studies accounting, finance, and marketing while playing baseball, and my daughter, Lauren, is entering her senior year of high school and has a passion for basketball. My husband, Matt, and I stay busy cheering them on and being part of every milestone along the way. We’re an active family who enjoys being involved—whether that’s attending school events, traveling for sports, working out, or taking trips together. Our two dogs, Max and Milo, round out the fun at home.
I was born in Tennessee and grew up in Kansas and Texas before settling down in Iowa. Iowa is truly home for us—I’ve come to deeply appreciate the strong sense of community, the connection to family, and the grounded, active lifestyle we’ve built here. Professionally, I’ve built my career in leadership within the healthcare and insurance industry, where I’ve had the opportunity to grow organizations, develop teams, and focus on making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
Biggest challenge of motherhood? Biggest joy?
The biggest challenge of motherhood for me has been navigating the different seasons of life—recognizing that what my kids need from me is constantly evolving and learning to adjust alongside them. It requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to grow along with them. One of my greatest joys is watching my kids pursue their passions, especially in sports, and seeing their confidence and character develop through those experiences. I also deeply value the quality time we spend together—the shared moments, adventures, and memories that become the foundation of our family.
How long have you worked at Delta Dental? Best part of your job?
I joined Delta Dental in 2014 and have had the privilege of serving as CEO since 2024. The best part of my job is the people I get to work with every day. We have an incredibly strong, talented team that embraces change, challenges each other to think beyond, and is deeply committed to our purpose. Together, we’re building a culture grounded in collaboration, growth, and making a real difference.
I wake up every day knowing that the work we do matters—that we’re positively impacting lives across the communities we serve as a purpose-driven organization.
What’s the hardest part about being a leader?
One of the most meaningful aspects of leadership is learning to hold both clarity and humility at the same time. As a leader, you are called to set direction, make decisions, and move the organization forward—often with incomplete information—while also remaining open to challenges, growth, and new perspectives. That balance is where strong leadership takes shape. Rather than viewing it as a burden, I see it as a responsibility that sharpens your thinking and deepens your impact. It encourages intentional listening, sustained curiosity, and a commitment to surrounding yourself with people who are willing to think beyond what’s been done before.
What do you wish you knew when you started at Delta Dental?
Delta Dental has always had a strong foundation—deep relationships, a clear mission, and a talented team committed to improving the health and smiles of the people we serve. What I’ve come to realize over time is that honoring that foundation doesn’t mean staying comfortable. It means building from it in ways that may feel unfamiliar at first.
Early on, I underestimated the importance of making space for broader thinking amid day-to-day execution. Real progress comes when you step back, engage others, and push the organization to consider what’s next.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
What I love most about raising a family in Des Moines is the strong sense of community—people genuinely care about one another and show up in meaningful ways. It offers a unique balance of big-city opportunities with a small-town feel, where relationships matter and there’s a warmth that makes it feel like home (even if you weren’t born here). It’s also incredibly easy to access activities and events that bring families together, from outdoor spaces and youth sports to cultural experiences—all close and convenient. Most importantly, Des Moines makes it possible to balance a meaningful career with a fulfilling family life, allowing you to be fully present in both while creating lasting memories.
Quick Takes
Favorite local restaurant: El Fogon
Describe yourself in 4 words: Intentional, Bold, Curious, Multiplier
Most random thing in your purse: Mini Jesus
How/where do you relax: I recharge through workouts, travel, and reading. Above all, spending time with my family and friends is what grounds me most—it’s where I truly relax, reconnect, and find energy for what’s ahead.
Life hashtag: #leadwithheart
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
