August 13, 2025

EveryStep Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors and Board of Trustees

DES MOINES, Iowa (July 30, 2025) — EveryStep announced today the appointment of its new board of directors and trustees for the upcoming year. The new members were voted in on Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 12.

The new board of directors members are José Angel, MD, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics; Paul Brown, Principal Financial Group (retired); Stephanie Drey, attorney at Brick Gentry P.C.; and Crystal Edwards, senior vice president at Community State Bank.

EveryStep’s Board of Directors members play a vital role in guiding the organization’s mission by providing strategic oversight, ensuring financial and ethical integrity and supporting leadership. They commit to attending meetings, serving on committees, and actively participating in fundraising and outreach efforts to help advance the organization’s impact.

The new board of trustees members are Beth Nigut, executive vice president of EMC Insurance Companies; Chris Lightfoot, account manager at Flynn Wright; and Rachel Delzell, marketing director at The Wietz Company.

EveryStep’s Board of Trustees members are responsible for safeguarding the foundation’s resources, ensuring they are used wisely and overseeing activities that support the Foundation’s long-term success. They also ensure the foundation operates legally, ethically and stays true to its mission

“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to our board,” said Tray Wade, president and CEO of EveryStep. “Their diverse expertise, dedication to our mission and deep commitment to the community will be instrumental as we expand our impact and continue serving Iowans in need.

Below are the new board of directors and trustees’ biographies.

EveryStep’s New Board of Directors:

Dr. José V.G. Angel, MD, FACP is a board-certified internal medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Physicians with over 30 years of experience in clinical care, medical education and health care leadership. He has held faculty roles at Des Moines University and the University of Iowa and served as President of the Iowa Medical Society. Dr. Angel is the founder of the Des Moines Latin American Medical Clinic and is recognized for his commitment to quality care, health equity and physician mentorship.

Paul Brown brings 40 years of leadership experience from Principal Financial Group, where he held key roles in retirement services, global strategy and executive advisement. He led international expansion efforts and built a large market retirement business generating $93 million in earnings. Brown also served on multiple corporate boards and currently leads as Board President of CultureALL, a nonprofit reaching over 62,000 Iowans each year.

Stephanie Drey is an attorney with Brick Gentry P.C., where she has practiced since 1992, focusing on estate planning, probate and trust administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the University of Iowa. Drey serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is a member of its Professional Advisor’s Council. Her past community involvement includes leadership roles with Dowling Catholic, St. Francis of Assisi School, Mentor Iowa and the Junior League of Des Moines.

Crystal Edwards is a financial services executive with over 20 years of experience in banking and investment operations. As senior vice president at Community State Bank, she manages commercial deposits and $223 million in wealth relationships. Edwards holds degrees in MIS, finance and business administration, along with multiple industry certifications. An active community leader, she serves on several nonprofit boards and is part of Leadership Iowa’s Class of 2024.

EveryStep’s New Board of Trustees:

Rachel Delzell is a strategic marketing leader with experience across real estate, home services, finance and development. She leads marketing at The Weitz Company and consults as a fractional CMO, helping businesses boost ROI and scale growth. Previously, she served as vice president of marketing for multiple real estate firms, driving digital transformation.

Chris Lightfoot joins EveryStep with over a decade of marketing experience, leading teams, and campaigns at both the local and national levels. A dedicated community volunteer, he has served on the boards of Friends of Des Moines Parks and the Water Works Park Foundation, where he currently chairs the marketing committee. His passion for EveryStep’s mission is deeply personal—after a family member received hospice care at Kavanagh House, he was moved by the compassion shown. Lightfoot is honored to give back by supporting EveryStep’s work across Iowa.

Beth Nigut is the executive vice president at EMC Insurance, where she oversees marketing, IT, strategy, human resources, DEIB and more. Since joining EMC in 2010, she has held several leadership roles, advancing from vice president to senior vice president before assuming her current position in 2020. A certified diversity executive, Nigut previously served as general counsel for Des Moines Public Schools and spent over 13 years in private law practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Simpson College and a juris doctor from Drake University.

To learn more about EveryStep, its leadership and board members, please visit www.everystep.org.

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About EveryStep One of Iowa’s oldest and most trusted nonprofits, EveryStep has been providing health care and community services since 1908. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and support when it matters most. From hospice care and home health services to programs for growing families and grief and loss support, our dedicated team walks alongside individuals and families during life’s most challenging times, ensuring compassion, dignity and empathy. To learn more about EveryStep and its more than 30 programs and services, please visit www.everystep.org.