While Stacey Pellett’s Texas roots run generations deep, she’s found that Iowa has been the perfect place for both career opportunities and raising a family. Pellett manages State Public Affairs for the Midwest and Northwest Regions of the United States for Deere and Company. She works as the liaison between the company’s business interests and the state, whether that is the legislature, executive branch or relevant government agencies.
She earned degrees from Texas A&M and then Texas Tech University, then began working at John Deere. She met her husband, Mike, who is from Atlantic, Iowa, at John Deere, then transferred to the Davenport Training Center to work as an instructor after they were married. They lived in Illinois for a few years, then moved to the Atlantic area to put down their forever roots.
1. What makes Iowa the right fit for your family?
We made the decision when our children were young that we wanted them to grow up in a small town near family and in the same school district all throughout their schooling years. We chose to move back to Atlantic where my husband grew up and put down our forever roots. We actively farm with his family as 5th generation farmers, and our 15-year-old daughter just started farming with us this year. She will be the 6th generation of Pelletts to farm our land.
We stay here because Iowa embodies everything that is important to us: agricultural foundations, strong community ties, family and faith. It has beautiful growing seasons and amazingly kind people. I cannot think of any place else I’d want us to raise our family.
2. What advantages does Iowa offer a company like John Deere as it develops innovative products and technologies?
John Deere has 19 locations with more than 15,000 employees across the state of Iowa. Over the past 5 years, we have transformed into a technologically focused innovation company. Pair that with 185+ years of industry-leading machines and you have a company that is leading the way into a new era of agriculture.
Iowa has doubled down on its commitment to promote innovation, technology development and encourage advancements in the agriculture and bio spaces, which aligns very well with our own core values of innovation and commitment.
3. What career opportunities are available at John Deere?
If you can dream it, you can likely do it within John Deere. We have a global presence and partner with some of the most amazing producers and contractors. Whether in agriculture, forestry, mining, construction or finance, there are no shortage of opportunities available to someone who wants to be a part of very dynamic industries that truly make a difference, and have an impact on the world every day.
Over the years, I’ve had so many opportunities that I never dreamed were possible. I’ve traveled extensively to work alongside farmers and dealers in many countries, created innovative leadership development programs that brought our customers and dealers to life inside of the company, worked on projects that stretched my comfort zone and helped me grow – but strengthened my passion for being a strong advocate for our business. Ultimately, these roads led me to my role today. It is very dynamic, every changing and challenging and yet, very rewarding.
4. What advice would you give someone considering a move to Iowa?
The opportunities here are limitless. You can engage in so many activities such as Level 3 whitewater rapids, miles of bike trails, the National Hot Air Balloon Classic, the Iowa State Fair, and the Field of Dreams. The culture, the atmosphere, the people, and the opportunities to be a part of industries that improve lives and change the world …where else can you do that but in Iowa?
Iowa is not a fly over state. It is a settle in, put your roots down and enjoy the moment kind of place. I am so thankful to be able to live and raise our family here!
5. Please give us three recommendations of things to do or places to go in Iowa?
Don’t miss the Iowa State Fair each August in Des Moines. More than a million people attend during the 10-day event for the food, entertainment and opportunity to see the best of agriculture, industry and more.
Visit Ledges State Park near Madrid for one of the state’s most historic and unique nature destinations. The park features four miles of trails with steep slopes and scenic overview above the Des Moines River.
The Sky Tours zipline course in Dubuque includes nine ziplines on a two-hour guided tour of forested hills and valleys of Union Park. The course is a wholly-owned project of the Dubuque Community Y.
Published July 2022.