Kayla Kovarna

Communications, marketing, and air service development deputy director, Des Moines Airport Authority

Age: 38

Spouse: Russell Baker

Children: Rosalee, 7, and Willa, 3

Mentor: Emily Abbas, senior vice president, chief consumer banking and marketing officer at Bankers Trust 

Reasons she is a Forty: Kayla has a sincere passion to serve her community, which is demonstrated throughout her career. She has raised record-breaking funds to support local initiatives and now works to enhance the quality of life of our community through air service growth. She serves on the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Board, where she supports the development team as well as the ambassador team. Kayla volunteers her time on the Greenwood PTA Executive Board focusing on parent/guardian education to support student growth and wellness while also launching two new student engagements to enhance the experience of attending Greenwood Elementary.

What are your goals in your role at your company? My goal at the Airport Authority is to build the brand of the Des Moines International Airport while communicating the airport's value to our region and state. Additionally, I aim to enhance air service options – more flights and destinations – to and from Iowa. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? My daughter inspired our family to become more involved with food insecurity issues when she learned that some families go hungry. We plan to continue that effort while I support the Leadership Institute with its 40th-anniversary campaign and complete coursework to obtain a master’s degree. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? Traveling. I love experiencing new things with my family and friends, from the food and music to the people and culture. I find it recharges me mentally and creatively. Traveling is such a great way to enhance our cultural competency and bring newfound understanding back to our local community. 

What is it that drives you? Simply put, I am goal-oriented. However, ultimately I want to be a strong role model for my daughters, demonstrating that great things are achievable when we believe in ourselves and aren’t afraid of failure. 

What are your future aspirations? I’d love to secure the first-ever international commercial flight at DSM! I’d also like to become more involved in placemaking activities in our region, building upon what Des Moines already offers while showcasing and enhancing why people should live, work and visit our vibrant city.     

Three hobbies: Traveling, cooking, attending outdoor festivals.

Fun fact: Kayla is a fifth-generation co-owner of a northwest Iowa century farm passed down from its original owner, Vaclav Kovarna, who immigrated to Iowa from the Bohemian Kingdom in the 19th century.  

One word to describe you: Effervescent. 

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I hope placemaking becomes a bigger priority for the region within our communities and businesses. Creating a unique and inspiring culture where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive is a critical piece to elevating our region.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? As a proud firefighter’s wife and Des Moines transplant, I rely on others in so many ways. I am grateful to the fire wives and friends who support our family so my husband and I can both pursue our careers. Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it can enable you to achieve so much more. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way, with a special thank you to my husband who always encourages me when I set the bar a little higher.  

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Create a vision for your career and write it down. What type of work fulfills you? What type of environment and work culture would you thrive in? Draft a list of companies that meet those needs and begin networking. Be purposeful in your career planning, ask questions and seek guidance.   

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? I’m impressed by our public educators and their perseverance. I’d like to see our community come together to support and retain great teachers while providing services for the increasing needs of our students. Public schools allow our children to build relationships with students from varying backgrounds, building understanding and strengthening our community. Retaining high-quality educators in our public schools is vital to developing the next generation of talent to lead our community and businesses.