Rosemary Parson is the President and Co-Founder of OAA. She serves on several boards, including Children and Families of Iowa, The Des Moines Community Foundation, Pyramid Theatre and the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Ms. Parson actively mentors young-adult students in the areas of financial literacy, banking, education and character. She studied at Ball State University and is a Fellow, Life Management Institute. She is the Senior Vice President of Policy Administration and Community Relations with EquiTrust Life Insurance. She was recently inducted into the Iowa National Insurance Hall of Fame for her remarkable achievements of excellence over the years. She received the 2011 Business Record Women of Influence award and continues to oversee community-relations initiatives. Prior to joining EquiTrust, Rosemary held executive positions with CNO Financial Group (formerly Conseco, Inc.) Mrs. Parson also serves on the state of Iowa's Technical and Commercialization (innovation) Committee. 

I have been a personal trainer and health coach for over 10 years now and have also found personal achievement with motivational speaking & supportive services. I began my health and wellness journey over 15 years ago after realizing I was not only obese, but suffering the health consequences of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was pre-diabetic (metabolic diseases). I lost over 125 lbs (the first time) by focusing on a lower carb diet and exercising 6 days a week. After 5 years of successfully keeping my weight in check, I suffered a major physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma and gained over 100 lbs…again. I decided to take action and went back to what I knew, following a lower-carb diet and have successfully kept the weight off by finally breaking free of all the co-dependency issues with food, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental therapy and using exercise as an emotional release. After losing over 100 lbs (twice), I no longer suffer from metabolic diseases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), have rid myself of diabetes, corrected my high blood pressure and eradicated obesity from my life once and for all. I was told by the doctors for years that I had PCOS and was unable to have children, yet here I stand with a teenage boy and 2 young daughters. Food and physical activity can be medicine. Once the effects of the pandemic of 2020 became beyond transparent, I decided to take action, dedicate my life to helping others succeed in their fight for better health and wellness and start the MOVE.ment! I am passionate about helping others find their paths and truly understand that no 2 people have the same journey. If I can stand here today in better health, I KNOW anyone who is willing to put in the work can improve their health and wellness as well. I look forward to you joining our MOVE.ment!

Shawna Isaac is the Marketing & Content Manager as well as the Development Coordinator. She has an educational background in Advertising, English, Journalism & Mass Communications. She has volunteered for several boards over the years and finds personal enjoyment with fundraising, community and youth outreach, project coordination and program development. Shawna has always been physically active via running, hiking, organized exercise, walking or anything else that presents a healthy challenge. It was through these personal challenges that she met Candace Oates and Rosemary Parson and knew they were meant to be part of her family. Shawna enjoys spending time with her family, helping out at church, camping, crafting and volunteering in the community wherever they may be a “friend” in need.

I have been in the dental industry for almost 20 years, and as a Registered Dental Hygienist for the last 12. One of the biggest missions of my career is educating the public on oral health and how nutrition plays a major role within the mouth and the whole body. Exercise and nutrition have always been a priority in my daily lifestyle and having the opportunity to share my knowledge for the benefit of others is a passion. It is an honor for me to help guide and educate others on this journey of being on the OAA board of directors.

Ardis E. Kelley is Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“the Bank”). As CSO, Ardis managed the corporate strategy department and led the Bank’s corporate strategic planning activities.  Currently, Ardis collaborates with the Bank’s Members, Enterprise Risk, and Operations divisions to develop strategies and initiatives that promote member’s usage of the Bank products and services. Prior to her role as CSO, Ardis served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since joining the Bank in 2012.

Outside of the Bank, Ardis serves on the Executive Committee and is Audit Committee Chair of the Finance Council of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, and is a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations dedicated to engaging the Des Moines community through arts, culture, community development, and wellness.

Prior to joining the Bank, Ardis had leadership roles in accounting and finance in Chicago, Illinois, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, New York City, New York, and Los Angeles, California.

Ardis is a CPA and received her undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Master of Accounting degree from the University of Southern California.