DES MOINES, IA (May 28, 2025) – Following a national search conducted by SearchWide Global, Catch Des Moines has announced that Trina Flack has been selected as the organization’s next President and CEO. Flack, a 17-year veteran of the organization and current Vice President of Sales, will assume the role on August 1. She succeeds longtime President and CEO Greg Edwards, who is retiring at the end of July after 25 years of dedicated service.
“Selecting a successor to Greg Edwards was no small task, given the tremendous economic impact Catch Des Moines has on the entire metro,” said Brian Mulcahy, chair of the Catch Des Moines Board of Directors. “After an extensive nationwide search, it became clear that Trina Flack was the ideal choice to lead the organization into its next chapter. Her deep-rooted passion for promoting central Iowa’s venues and visitor experiences will be a tremendous asset to all of our partner communities.”
Flack has played a pivotal role in Catch Des Moines’ success, helping to secure major events that have brought millions in economic impact and elevated the region’s national profile. During her tenure, she has helped land events including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (2016, 2019, 2023, and upcoming in 2028), the Dew Tour, IRONMAN North American Championship, and the National Speech and Debate Tournament. She also led the local planning efforts for the Iowa Caucus Consortium, hosting over 2,000 international media members.
Flack’s leadership extends beyond sales. She has been a leading advocate for legislative initiatives like the development of Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs), while actively volunteering on regional boards and commissions including the City of Ankeny’s Planning and Zoning Commission and the Capital Crossroads Regional Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has meant so much to me over the past 17 years,” said Flack. “Catch Des Moines has built incredible momentum, and I’m excited to carry that forward with a team and community I deeply believe in. Greg’s leadership not only elevated Greater Des Moines as a visitor destination, it inspired those of us lucky enough to work alongside him. I’m honored to continue that work and help shape what’s next for our region.”
Flack steps into the role during a time of growth and momentum for Greater Des Moines’ tourism economy, continuing the legacy of Edwards, who spent the last quarter-century transforming Catch Des Moines into a dynamic and nationally recognized destination marketing organization. With record growth in events and the addition of game changing venues over the years like Wells Fargo Arena, the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, and MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, she is well-positioned to lead Catch Des Moines into its next chapter.
About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.