Strategic America CEO John Schreurs Announces Retirement After Four Decades of Service
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A distinguished career spanning over four decades will come to a close this year as John Schreurs, CEO and president of Strategic America, prepares to retire. The West Des Moines-based communications firm announced Schreurs’ planned departure,which will follow the appointment of his successor.
Schreurs’ retirement marks the culmination of a seven-year tenure as chief executive and a remarkable 42-year commitment to the integrated marketing and communications agency. He joined Strategic America several years after its founding in Waterloo in 1983,ascending to the role of CEO in 2018. During his leadership, the organization underwent meaningful conversion, evolving into a thriving employee-owned firm with a team of over 100 associates.
Guiding Growth and Championing Employee Ownership
Under Schreurs’ direction, Strategic America expanded its reach, serving a diverse clientele ranging from prominent national brands to impactful local nonprofit organizations. “Throughout his time at SA, John demonstrated an unwavering commitment to client success – diving deep to understand businesses and building strategies to exceed marketing goals,” stated a member of SA’s board of directors and regional vice president at Aflac, in a company release. “His legacy is defined by service – putting peopel first and modeling SA’s core values for future leaders.”
The firm’s transition to an employee-owned model is a testament to Schreurs’ dedication to fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. This structure is designed to align the interests of the team with the long-term success of the company and its clients.
A Commitment to Community engagement
Beyond driving business growth, Schreurs actively championed community engagement.He spearheaded Strategic America’s role as an advocate for both industry and local causes, leveraging the firm’s marketing and communications expertise to support organizations and initiatives that positively impact the community.
Transition and Succession Planning
To ensure a smooth transition, Schreurs will remain with Strategic America through much of 2026, providing guidance during the onboarding process for his successor and continuing to serve on the company’s board of directors. The board has partnered with Jennifer Bryant of Human Pivot Consulting to conduct a complete search for the next CEO.
This intentional approach to succession planning underscores Strategic America’s commitment to stability and continued success as it enters a new chapter. The firm’s future leadership will build upon the strong foundation established by Schreurs,carrying forward a legacy of client-focused service and community engagement.
Why is Schreurs retiring? After 42 years with Strategic America, including seven as CEO, John Schreurs is retiring to conclude a distinguished career.
who is John Schreurs? Schreurs is the current CEO and president of Strategic America, a West Des Moines-based communications firm. He joined the company several years after its founding in 1983 and became CEO in 2018.
What has Schreurs accomplished? During his tenure, Schreurs led Strategic America through significant growth and transformation, expanding its client base and transitioning the company to an employee-owned model. He also prioritized community engagement.
How will the transition unfold? Schreurs will remain with the company through much of 2026 to assist with the onboarding of his successor.The board has engaged Human Pivot Consulting, led by Jennifer Bryant, to conduct a CEO search. The firm aims for a stable transition, building on Schreurs’ established foundation.
