About Us
Photographer: Justin Rogers of West Des Moines, IA
Staff

Kevin Techau | Executive Director
Kevin served as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa 2014-2017. As U.S. Attorney, he led two offices with a staff of 29 Assistant United States Attorneys and 26 support staff. Kevin served as Co-Chair of the Attorney General’s Environmental Issues working group subcommittee and as a member of the Health Care Fraud, Cyber Security, Civil Rights, and Service Members and Veterans Rights subcommittees.
As a member of Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack’s cabinet, Kevin served as Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
Kevin spent seven years as Associate General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company where he represented the interests of the company in state and federal courts and before state insurance departments while managing all company litigation.
Kevin served as a Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force for seven years. After leaving active duty, he served with the Iowa Air National Guard for twenty years. He retired from the Iowa Air National Guard as a Colonel with 27 years of military service. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.
Kevin’s community affairs have included serving on the Keep Iowa Beautiful Board, Des Moines Public Library Board of Trustees, , Des Moines Area Religious Council Board and the Iowa National Guard Credit Union board. He currently serves on the Iowa Environmental Council and Community Health Free Clinic, Board of Directors.
Kevin has received the Iowa Public Health Heroes Award, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, 2016; Safe Kids Iowa Leadership Award, Blank Children’s Hospital, 2007 and Government Leadership Award, Greater Des Moines Partnership, 2006.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Business and College of Law. He completed the Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Bill Jackson | Associate Director
Bill Jackson has served as Associate Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful since 2000. Bill earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Drake University in Des Moines. He was administrative assistant to former Governor Robert D. Ray for more than nine years, and was Program Director and Station Manager of television station WHO in Des Moines. In 1986, Bill was named by Governor Terry E. Branstad to direct the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, one of the 23 newly reorganized state agencies. Its divisions included the Iowa Arts Council, which he also served as Executive Director, and the State Historical Society of Iowa. Bill is a member of the Des Moines Symphony Board of Directors, Arts Midwest Board, Des Moines Rotary Club and the Gold Star Museum. He is past president of the Salvation Army Board of Directors, treasurer of the Chinese Cultural Center of America and member of the Iowa Sister State Committee, the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Moines United Way Campaign Committee and the Iowa Broadcasters Association.
SPPG + Essman Research
SPPG + Essman Research is a West Des Moines-based, full-service policy consultation and market research company. Since 1984, SPPG has been working with clients—public, private, and non-profit— to manage organizational change and promote public policy that serves the interests and well-being of the public.
In 2017, SPPG acquired Essman Research, a full-service market research firm with decades of experience working with in-state, national, and international clients. Together, SPPG + Essman Research work to develop data-based solutions to complex problems.
SPPG + Essman Research provides technical assistance, marketing consultation, and grant-writing services for Keep Iowa Beautiful. They work closely with the board and staff to execute Keep Iowa Beautiful’ s vision and mission. With long-reaching roots in Iowa, SPPG + Essman Research has a vested interest in Keeping Iowa Beautiful.