Meet Kate Banasiak, President & CEO of Diversified Management Services
Please tell us about your background.
A Des Moines native and Iowa State grad, I discovered my passion for association management as an admin assistant at Diversified Management Services (DMS). I went on to serve as a Senior Account Executive and then COO in 2009. In 2011, I became President & CEO/Owner. In this role, I lead the company's strategic direction and client growth.
Please tell us about your business.
DMS works with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including health care associations, security organizations, trade groups, and professional societies, providing each with tailored staffing solutions that match their specific goals and needs. Our flexible model adapts to projects of any size or scope. Whether managing day-to-day operations or leading strategic initiatives, we partner with our boards to provide all of the staffing and back office resources they need so they can focus on the vision!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love working with our clients to find innovative ideas to serve their members. I specialize in creating the business plan behind the vision no matter what that is. Often times strategic plans can get dusty when we don’t talk about the how, but for me those details are just as fun. Watching several of our clients meet goals these last several years that seemed out of reach makes me jump with excitement.
Why did you join NAWBO Iowa and what do you appreciate about it?
I joined NAWBO after being invited to an advocacy event by one of the members. I am passionate about being a female lead small business and excited to join forces with other women business owners.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026 and beyond?
Growth – we’re working hard right now to find that next partner non-profit with great ideas ready to put into action. We’ve spent the last several years adding in infrastructure and helping our current clients achieve this, so the idea of adding in some new partners is fun!
What does NAWBO mean to you?
Connection – there is nothing better than the energy you find from sitting next to those that are passionate about serving their industry and uplifting other women business owners.
