For Carrie Kruse, CPA, CGMA, mental clarity is one goal of going on vacation. Also, Kruse likes to be tested while away from her job as economic development administrator for Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. In Kruse’s words, she loves “to be challenged in ways outside of my professional sphere.” Recently, that challenge was a hike of more than 100 mountainous miles in Europe.

That challenge also meant she unplugged from work for two weeks, which helped to ensure she returned to Iowa refreshed.

This conversation is the first of a three-episode road trip to the Midwest with a theme of summer travel and the importance of taking time away. Episodes with finance leaders in Nebraska and South Dakota are coming later in the summer.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

·         The particulars of Kruse’s economic development role.

·         Why she says that Des Moines punches above its weight.

·         The type of vacation Kruse takes depending on the time of year.

·         How a recent trip to Europe underscored the importance of unplugging.

·         The value of serving on the Government Performance and Accountability Committee.