URBANDALE, IA, November 19, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Amanda J. Koch has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Koch has established a distinguished career in retail leadership, currently serving as Assistant Director of Retail Operations for Goodwill of Central Iowa since 2025. In this capacity, she directly influences the organization's 16 locations, leading teams and overseeing all operational structures and behind-the-scenes activities. Her responsibilities include managing District Managers across the region, developing their leadership skills to guide store teams effectively, and hosting weekly calls and monthly meetings with store managers to ensure alignment and consistency. Ms. Koch also assists the e-commerce and warehouse departments, manages budgeting, incentive programs, and all aspects of store operations. She is responsible for analyzing sales results, collaborating with the chief executive officer, finance team and human resources department, visiting donation sites and ensuring organizational accountability at every location. Her role requires her to problem-solve, inspire and motivate staff while protecting Goodwill from liabilities and fostering a culture of excellence.

Before joining Goodwill of Central Iowa, Ms. Koch served as the District Leader for KinderCare Learning Companies in Iowa from 2023 to 2025. In this position, she provided strategic oversight for multiple early childhood education centers, focusing on operational efficiency, staff development and quality assurance. Her leadership contributed to improved performance metrics and enhanced team cohesion.

From 2021 to 2023, Ms. Koch served as district manager for Petco, overseeing several retail locations throughout the state of Iowa. She was responsible for driving sales growth, implementing corporate initiatives and mentoring store leaders to achieve operational goals.

From 2020 to 2021, Ms. Koch served as the district manager at Dollar General in Iowa. She led multiple stores through a period of significant change, emphasizing process improvement and employee engagement.

Between 2016 and 2021, Ms. Koch served as a director and independent beauty guide for LimeLife by Alcone. She built a successful direct sales business by recruiting and mentoring a team of beauty consultants while promoting brand awareness.

Her earlier experience includes serving as district sales manager and district training manager for Lane Bryant across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota from 2014 to 2019. In these roles, she was instrumental in talent development, an achievement she considers her most notable legacy, as she helped many individuals earn promotions and launch their careers.

From 2006 to 2014, Ms. Koch was district manager for Aeropostale in Iowa and Nebraska, where she oversaw store operations and drove regional sales performance. She began her tenure with Aeropostale as store manager from 2000 to 2006. Many former employees from this time have maintained contact with Ms. Koch over the years, expressing gratitude for her mentorship and recognizing her as a role model who fosters change and excellence.

Ms. Koch's professional accomplishments include being inducted into the Next Generation Leadership in 2023, a testament to her commitment to developing future leaders within her field.

Her educational background includes coursework at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa. Ms. Koch credits her willingness to learn, openness to coaching, perseverance and strong sense of self-accountability as key factors in her success. This mindset has enabled her to approach challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Koch has demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement and community service. She promoted and volunteered with the Earlham Levitt Amp Music Series from 2018 to 2020 and served as vice president of Earlham Partners in Education from 2010 to 2017. Ms. Koch was also a founding member of Chicks with Checks from 2014 to 2016, she helped organize community events that fostered local engagement and improvements.

Ms. Koch has also coached youth basketball for several years and served as vice president of the parents-teachers association for seven years. She is a supporter of Champions for Children, the Iowa Center for Children's Justice, and Oak Ridge Community. Additionally, she has organized silent auctions for Brant's Race and other individuals in need.

Born in Iowa City, Ms. Koch enjoys attending silent art auctions that benefit local charities and creating abstract acrylic works on canvas during her personal time. She is dedicated to raising her family, including four children, and helping them become positive contributors to society.

Looking ahead, Ms. Koch aims to further the growth of Goodwill of Central Iowa by opening additional stores, developing talent within the organization and generating revenue that will expand its mission of providing purposeful employment opportunities for everyone, a vision inspired by her lifelong passion for Goodwill's mission, instilled by her Grandmother Bonnie who played significant roles in shaping her values today.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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