After nearly two decades building relationships across Central Iowa’s nonprofit community, Amanda Nuzum found herself drawn to the DMACC Foundation’s mission.
Amanda knows that meaningful change starts with strong relationships – and active listening, always. That grounding belief is shaping her first days as Executive Director of the DMACC Foundation.
Well known in the Central Iowa philanthropy circles, Amanda brings a breadth of experience in nonprofit leadership to the new role, which she officially started January 15.
We asked Amanda a few questions before her first day at DMACC. Here’s what she shared about her path, her priorities, and what excites her most about the work ahead.
What initially drew you to the opportunity to lead the DMACC Foundation at this point in your career?
At this point in my career, I was drawn to opportunities where experience, relationships, and strategic leadership could be fully leveraged to create lasting impact. The DMACC Foundation represents exactly that. DMACC’s mission — expanding access to education, workforce readiness, and economic mobility — aligns deeply with my professional background and personal values.
I’m inspired by the Foundation’s role in strengthening student success while also serving as a critical partner to employers and communities throughout our state and beyond. Leading the DMACC Foundation allows me to bring together my passion for mission-driven work with an organization that is poised for continued growth, innovation, and community impact.
When you think about your first year in this role, what does success look like to you?
Success in my first year means building strong relationships and actively listening — earning the trust of the Foundation team, DMACC leadership, the board, donors, and community partners. It’s about gaining a clear understanding of the Foundation’s strengths, opportunities, and aspirations, and aligning our work closely with DMACC’s strategic priorities.
If we’re positioned for sustainable growth, with clear goals, strong partnerships, and a shared sense of momentum around advancing student success and community impact, I would consider that a very successful year.
How would you describe your approach to donor relationships and stewardship?
I see donor relationships as long-term partnerships grounded in trust and shared purpose. My approach always starts with listening — understanding a donor’s values, interests, and the impact they hope to make.
Strong stewardship means consistent communication, thoughtful recognition, and clear accountability for how gifts are used. When donors feel genuinely connected to the mission and can see the outcomes of their giving, their generosity becomes a lasting investment rather than a one-time transaction.
What excites you most about working in higher education philanthropy — especially at a community college?
My career actually began in higher education at Simpson College, and I’ve also served at The ISU Foundation. What excites me most about working at a community college like DMACC is the immediacy and breadth of impact.
Community colleges are pivotal in education, workforce development, and economic mobility. Philanthropy here removes real barriers — whether that’s access to scholarships, completion resources, or innovative programs aligned with workforce needs — and the results are often visible right away.
Are there particular priorities or opportunities you’re eager to explore early on at the Foundation?
Early on, my priority is to listen, learn, and build strong relationships across the Foundation, the college, and our donor and community partners. That foundation of understanding will help identify where the greatest opportunities exist.
I’m especially interested in strengthening alignment between the Foundation’s work and DMACC’s strategic priorities, ensuring philanthropy is directly supporting what matters most to students and the communities we serve.
How do you see the Foundation partnering with students, faculty, and staff to tell the story of its impact?
The most powerful stories of the Foundation’s impact come directly from the people who experience it every day. I see the Foundation partnering closely with students, faculty, and staff to elevate authentic voices and real outcomes.
Thoughtful storytelling not only honors those individuals, but also builds trust with donors and the community by clearly showing how generosity translates into opportunity and success.
Outside of your professional background, what should the DMACC community know about you?
Beyond my professional background, I’m someone who values relationships, community, and service. I’m a wife and mom of three, and most of my “free” time is spent supporting my kids in their passions and activities.
I believe deeply in showing up, listening, and building trust — both professionally and personally. I’m motivated by work that makes a difference in people’s lives, and I’m truly excited to become part of the DMACC community.
For more information on the DMACC Foundation, visit dmacc.edu/foundation