Mary Lawyer

Mary Lawyer is the Director of Business Development for Conlon Construction Company, a Dubuque-based construction firm. Previously, Ms. Lawyer was President of the Des Moines Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), a non-profit organization that works to improve the economic well-being and opportunities in downtown Des Moines. Ms. Lawyer also worked for the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) for more than 16 years, and was appointed IDED director by Governor Tom Vilsack. As director, she collaborated with businesses, communities and legislative leaders to form statewide public policy that improved the economic well-being and quality of life for Iowans. She also served in the workforce development and job training areas both at NIACC and IDED, working on the Job Training Partnership Act, Promise Jobs, Workforce Development Fund and the 260E Program. Ms. Lawyer received a BA degree in business from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa.