Des Moines Mom recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!
This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Tiffany Tauscheck is an Iowa native and Drake University graduate. She loves all things Des Moines and was recently named president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
My husband Mark and I have two kids and one dog. We met more than two
decades ago. He is a Minneapolis native – the oldest of six kids. I’m from Creston, Iowa,
the oldest of three girls. I have recruited my mom and both of my sisters to be our
neighbors. It is fantastic to have support from my family just a few blocks away at all
times. We are in the thick of it with our son’s baseball schedule and daughter’s dance and
softball schedules. It is so fun to watch them both do what they love.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
Seeing my kids experience, first-hand, community projects I have had the
opportunity to work on is extremely rewarding. One moment I will always cherish is
when I took them to the Lauridsen Skatepark (the largest skatepark in the United
States). When they first saw the skateable art, they both stopped, pointed, and said,
“WOW!” I smiled knowing the small role I played in helping make that project come to
life. Seeing the joy it brought them, and thousands of others, is what it is all about.
How long have you worked with the Greater Des Moines Partnership? Is it something you always wanted to do?
I have been at the Greater Des Moines Partnership for 8 years. I was hired as
Chief Communications Officer, then promoted to Chief Strategy Officer, then President
of Downtown DSM, Inc. (a subsidiary of The Partnership) and Chief Operations Officer.
As of July 1, 2023, I took on the role of President & CEO of The Partnership. As a kid, I
didn’t know a career like this existed, but throughout my career journey, I fell in love with
community development and the opportunity to work with others who want to make a
positive impact.
What’s the best part about your work?
Working alongside our incredible team, Board of Directors, Investors, Members, and community members is both energizing and drives results. We are an economic
development and community development organization. We have the joy of making our
region better for future generations.
What’s the hardest part?
It is important that we maintain focus on continuing to make our region even
better, even stronger – together. We are able to do that through radical collaboration and
keeping everyone in the same boat, so to speak, rowing together.
What do you wish you knew when you became a mom?
Early on after having our son, I learned that alone time/quiet time was minimal
but essential. It’s important to intentionally set aside dedicated time to recharge.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
You really can have it all in Greater Des Moines. Our family loves all the outdoor recreation opportunities.
Quick Takes
Favorite local restaurant: We have many fantastic local restaurants. Some of my recent favorites include Proudfoot & Bird, Franka Pizzeria, Americana, and Cool Basil.
Best place to take kids: Downtown Farmers’ Market
Favorite summer activity: Attending family-friendly festivals throughout the region, including the upcoming World Food & Music Festival.
Do you have any hobbies? Boating and gardening.
How/where do you relax? I often find my best thinking time is while out on a long walk on one of our regional trails.
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #loveDSM
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
