Scott Raecker

J. Scott Raecker serves as Executive Director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University – a position he has held since the work of the center was founded by former Governor Robert D. Ray as a lasting legacy to the Iowa Sesquicentennial in 1997.

The Ray Center has outreach to over 8 million youth as the global home for the CHARACTER COUNTS! and Pursuing Victory With Honor initiatives that were founded by Michael Josephson and the Josephson Institute of Ethics where Scott has previously served as both Chairman of the Board and CEO. The Ray Center is also a national consortium partner with the Excellence With Integrity Institute.

Scott’s commitment to positively impact the lives of others was also reflected in his 14 years of public service as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1999 through 2012. In the legislature, Scott served in numerous leadership roles including chair of the House Appropriations Committee, chair of the Ethics Committee, and chair of the Midwest Council of Government’s Legislative Leadership Institute. Scott’s public service experience and professional passion for civility has led to his work with The Ray Center impacting state legislative leaders and staff in all 50 states and U.S. territories as well as leaders in Canada and Mexico.

Scott is involved in numerous civic volunteer efforts. Scott serves as a board member of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Drake University School of Education International Advisory Board, Board Member Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folk Life and Cultural Studies, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Advisory Board, and the Shining City Foundation. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Urbandale Chambers of Commerce.

Scott is a graduate of Grinnell College where he received his B.A. in Political Science and Religious Studies. Scott is also certified as a character development specialist and corporate ethics trainer through the Josephson Institute of Ethics.

Scott and his wife, Martha, live in Urbandale and have two adult children, Emily and Max.