Brown Woodard Keynote Speakers
Senator Pam Jochum
Pam Jochum was elected to the Iowa House in 1992 and the Iowa Senate in 2008. She represents Senate District 36, encompassing the city of Dubuque and portions of Dubuque County.
Senator Jochum serves as Iowa Senate Democratic Leader.
Born and raised in Dubuque, Pam Jochum knows what matters to those who live and work in the area, and is respected for her ability to build coalitions that get things done for Dubuque and Iowa.
Among her many accomplishments, Senator Jochum has played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to thousands of working Iowans and has stood up for citizens with disabilities to protect their health services when the Governor privatized Iowa’s Medicaid system. Her support for and commitment to education has been unwavering. She has worked to expand early childhood education and ensure affordable higher education, whether at a state university, a private college or a community college. Her influence is evident throughout Iowa law—from historic reforms in Iowa’s commercial property taxes and revitalizing manufacturing to nationally acclaimed legislation in ethanol production, wind energy, solar energy and flood mitigation programs. Furthermore, through Pam’s persistent work for more than five years, our state now has the Iowa Public Information Board to ensure government transparency and access to public information and records.
Pam learned the value of a hard-day’s work from her parents. She graduated at the top of her class at Wahlert High School and Loras College. She worked as an administrator at Loras College, and also worked at an insurance agency, Legal Aid, and a financial services company before running for public office.
Because of her strong advocacy and efforts to improve the lives of Iowans, Senator Jochum has received honors from the League of Cities, Firefighters Association, child advocacy organizations, Freedom of Information Council, physical therapists, physician assistants, pharmacists, Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Caregivers, Iowa Health Care Association, League of Women Voters, the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, labor unions, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and many more.
Representative Jennifer Konfrst
Jennifer has lived in Iowa most of her life, and has always considered the Des Moines metro area her home. After living in northern Iowa, then out of state for a short time as a child, she returned to Iowa and went to school in Johnston, where she graduated in 1992.
Senator Pam Jochum
Jennifer met her husband, Lee, while attending Drake University. They’ve lived in the area since their marriage in 1996, with a brief stint in Chicago before coming back home to Iowa. They have two children, Ellie (20) and James (18) and live in Windsor Heights. Lee works at Nationwide in Des Moines and they are members of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Jennifer’s church for more than 30 years. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Drake University, and Lee earned his undergraduate and law degrees there.
Jennifer believes there is nothing more important than being a mom and that’s why she has been an active volunteer in her kids’ education at every step from preschool to high school. She has served as President of the Plymouth Nursery School Board, President of the Downtown School PTA, Mock Trial coach at Merrill Middle School, and was a member of the PTA and a debate team parent volunteer at Roosevelt High School.
Jennifer is currently an Associate Professor in Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Before teaching at Drake, Jennifer spent 12 years in communications leadership at Iowa Public Television (IPTV). While there, she was responsible for strategy and implementation of communications for the network. She also served as the spokesperson for IPTV, on-air host during fundraising drives, and worked on special programs during the Iowa State Fair.
In 2018, Jennifer received the Madeline Levitt Mentor of the Year Award at Drake University. She has also been recognized as a finalist for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Inspiring Women of Iowa Courage Award and as Outstanding New Member from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Central Iowa Chapter in 2014, as a member of the Des Moines Business Record’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2010, and as national PBS Communicator of the Year in 2007.
Ryan Melton, IA4 Congressional Candidate
Born in Omaha, Ryan spent parts of his childhood in both Iowa and Nebraska. After graduating from Omaha Central, he was awarded a full scholarship to Iowa State University. He graduated in 2005 with a BS in History and Political Science. While at ISU he served as a journalist for the Iowa State Daily and as president of the ISU Mock Trial team, which made it to two national tournaments. In 2008 he graduated from Kansas University with an MA in US History, focusing on post-reconstruction, civil rights, and environmental history. Ryan has worked for Nationwide for the past 15 years. In the last seven years, he has served in a leadership role managing high-performing teams of insurance professionals.
His passion for the environment and regard for all life have led him to live as a compassionate vegetarian for the past 19 years. While land management, sustainability, water quality, and sanctity of life are key factors in his personal choice to be a vegetarian, he understands that choice is not for everyone.
Being raised by a family of modest means, he understands many of the challenges that face working families. He has helped and supported family members who have dealt with addiction and mental health issues. Ryan was the only person in his immediate family to attend college and graduate, thanks to the support of his family and public school teachers. He and wife Laura are raising Nigel, age 17, and Lincoln, age 4.
He enjoys road trips across the United States, college football, and playing Madden Football. Ryan is also convinced he could be a professional bowler with enough practice. Laura is not convinced.
