Blake Carlson

Blake Carlson, MBA, currently serves as a Communications Associate at Principal Financial Group since November 2023. Previously, Blake held the position of Communications and Engagement Director at Des Moines Metro Opera from December 2021 to November 2023, where responsibilities included developing annual communications strategies and partnering with community organizations for event series focused on social issues. Prior roles at Principal Financial Group include Communications and Donor Engagement Manager and Global Inclusion Coordinator, during which Blake spearheaded diversity and inclusion events and engaged stakeholders to promote audience-first strategies. Blake began a career in communications as an Employee Communications Intern, creating digital content for a global workforce. Education includes an MBA from Drake University (2024) and a BA in Public Relations, with minors in Arts Administration and Entrepreneurship from Simpson College (2019).