Noreen Otto, of Newton, has been named to the Business Record Forty Under 40 2016.
Otto, 35, is Hy-Vee Inc. vice president for government relations and earned the Progressive Grocer “Rising Stars” award in her second year with Hy-Vee.
Otto served for four years on the Newton City Council, which took on infrastructure, marketing and park projects during her tenure, and she currently serves on three different nonprofit boards in Jasper County. She was just appointed to the Jasper County Board of Review.
She has also traveled to Japan as part of a seven-person U.S. delegation with the American Council of Young Political Leaders.
Fun Fact: Noreen once ate 51 chicken wings in 15 minutes. For charity.
Mentor: Pat Hensley, senior vice president for government/industry relations, Hy-Vee Inc.
One word to describe herself: Exuberant
What are your goals in your role at your company?
Hy-Vee makes lives “easier, healthier and happier.” That mantra is my goal in government relations: Help our stores to do what they do best, which in turn helps our customers and communities all over the Midwest. I never want to stop learning about all the aspects that make this company work.
What are your goals for your community involvement?
I finished my four-year term on the Newton City Council, but I want to keep channeling energy into the community. I was just appointed to the Jasper County Board of Review, but lately I’ve been daydreaming of creating a group supporting the nonprofits that are doing great work in our community.
What’s your biggest passion and why?
Engagement. Whether it’s a bill in the Legislature or a community project or raising money for charity, I want people to get involved. I want to be involved. I find apathy terrifying. Everyone has something to offer. Engagement in your business or in your community solves problems.
What is it that drives you?
That saying “If not me, who?” has always resounded for me. I’ve never been able to not raise my hand to help, to take on a role, or to attempt a project. There are plenty of problems in the world; it’s up to each of us to solve them.
What are your future aspirations
Hy-Vee has been successful by growing and adapting. I’m looking forward to growing and adapting along with it. Also, Newton is my home, and I will continue to put energy into moving that community forward. And finally, I want to raise my sons to be kind, smart and feminist.