Common Sense Institute Iowa Announces Liz Keehner to Board of Directors

DES MOINES, Iowa– Common Sense Institute (CSI) announced the addition of Liz Keehner to its Board of Directors, bringing deep experience in venture capital and economic development to the organization.
Keehner currently serves as President of the Iowa Venture Capital Association (IVCA), where she leads efforts to strengthen Iowa’s innovation economy and expand access to capital for entrepreneurs across the state. In this role, she works closely with investors, policymakers, and business leaders to advance initiatives that support startup growth, investment, and job creation.

She is also a Partner at Next Level Ventures, an Iowa-based venture capital firm, where she brings expertise in venture investing, board governance, and operational strategy. Keehner is widely recognized as a leader in Iowa’s startup and investment ecosystem and has played a key role in advancing the state’s entrepreneurial landscape.

CSI is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and prosperity through rigorous, data-driven analysis. Keehner’s experience at the intersection of capital markets, innovation, and economic growth will support CSI Iowa’s work to inform policy and strengthen the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.

“Liz brings a unique perspective on how innovation, investment, and policy intersect to drive economic growth,” said Matt Everson, Executive Director of Common Sense Institute. “Her leadership in Iowa’s venture capital community and deep understanding of the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will be an asset to CSI as we continue expand our reach across the state to provide data-driven insights on policies shaping Iowa’s economic future.”