The National Association of Women Business Owners Iowa has selected Fort Dodge native Molly Lopez, chief operating officer for Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority and past owner of Association Management Ltd., as the NAWBO Iowa Legacy Award honoree.

In her current role as COO and culture builder at the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, she aligns people and business strategies to drive growth, and retain and attract talent. Her 30-year career in organization management and business development includes owning a successful association management company for 12 years. During this time, she and her teams transformed trade and professional associations by leading boards of directors, delivering valued membership services, and ensuring client satisfaction. She holds a Certified Association Executive designation and earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Iowa State University in Ames.

She is also a community leader, recognized as an Inspiring Woman of Iowa Character finalist, Ankeny Chamber Board Chair Mentor awardee, and honored by Women of Worth and Central Iowa’s Forty Under Forty.