Hall of Fame

Dan Skokan started school in Newton after moving with his family from Alliance, Nebraska in 1962. He attended Newton schools 8-12 grades and graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1966. While in high school Dan attended Hawkeye Boys State, played in the orchestra as a violinist, was inducted into Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society, and was a Maytag Scholarship recipient. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Iowa State University in 1970, majoring in Business with minors in Accounting and Industrial Administration. After graduating Dan sat for and passed the CPA Exam becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Dan was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp while attending Iowa State from 1966-1970. He served active duty in the Adjutant General Branch of the United States Army and was the Chief Accounting Officer at Fort Wolters, Texas from 1970-1971.

Upon returning to Iowa, Dan worked for Coopers & Lybrand in Des Moines from 1972-1975. From 1975-2000, Dan worked for and became an owner/partner of Humiston, Skokan, Warren & Eichenberger CPAs with offices in Des Moines and Newton. He served as Managing Partner from 1996-2000. In 2000 he merged his firm with RSM McGladrey where he served as a director. He retired from McGladrey and Public Accounting in 2003.

Dan’s remaining career was dedicated to making a difference in the nonprofit business world. He became CEO of Progress Industries in Newton in 2003 and worked until retiring again in 2015. He enjoyed the opportunity to help improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. He was known for his financial expertise, compassion, empathy and dedication to service during his time at Progress Industries. A sculpture of helping hands was added to the facility to portray the power of everyone working together for success in life.  He retired again in 2015 remaining on numerous boards.

Dan has been affiliated professionally with The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants. Dan was honored with the 2011 Public Service Award by the Iowa Society of CPAs for his outstanding contributions to the community and efforts to enhance the professional image of CPAs.

He has served on many boards including the Newton Development Corporation, the Jasper Community Foundation, the Geisler Penquite Foundation, Progress Industries, PI Foundation, Skiff Medical Center, Community Support Advocates, United Way of Central Iowa, Polk County Health Services and the Mental Health Association in Polk County.

Dan’s leadership and vision has positively impacted the community of Newton, Jasper County and Central Iowa through his service and dedication to positive growth both for profit and non-profit activities of merit. His vision for development continues to impact the landscape of Newton in many ways. He helped facilitate the creation of Cherry Hills residential lots, Golf View Estates and the Deer Run housing areas in Newton. His footprint is all over Newton.

Dan embodies philanthropy. He has served as President of the Jasper Community Foundation for many years facilitating annual gifts to community nonprofit groups in excess of $100,000. As President of the Geisler Penquite Foundation board, he helps oversee annual gifting of several hundred thousand dollars to deserving nonprofits with a specific focus on education. His vision for a vital community in Newton is evidenced by his active participation in the Newton Development Corporation. Dan and his wife Patty have been committed supporters of the Center for Arts & Artists in Newton. Dan has been aptly described as ‘A great friend of the community of Newton’.

Dan and Patty have a home in Newton and enjoy traveling to Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Missouri. They share two sons Mike and Bryan, their wives, Deanna and Darcey, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, soon to be four.