WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee announces with great sadness the passing of Donna Tweeten.
Donna was Hy-Vee’s first female president and a beloved visionary leader, mentor and advisor who spent the past 40 years shaping the company’s brand into a nationally recognized name.
Donna came to Hy-Vee with an extensive background in advertising, working for such firms as Davis Harrison Dion-Chicago and Anderson Communications. She began working with Hy-Vee while at The Meyocks Group, one of Hy-Vee’s partner agencies, where she became president and chief creative officer. In 2006, Donna joined Hy-Vee as assistant vice president of communications and went on to serve in many key roles, most notably as Hy-Vee's chief marketing officer and later president. Donna’s visionary leadership enabled Hy-Vee to become the first retailer to sign contracts with basketball star Caitlin Clark, as well as sign major partnerships with other influential athletes including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Shawn Johnson East.
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Donna retired from her role in January 2025 though she remained with Hy-Vee as a consultant up until her passing on April 8. She had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Donna has been nationally recognized across the advertising and retail industries for her work, including being named a Champion of Change by ADWEEK; a Leading Women Forward recipient by Ad Age; and receiving Mass Market Retailers' Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others.
Donna received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Drake University and obtained certification from the Kellogg School of Management’s Executive Leadership program at Northwestern University.
“We are simply heartbroken by the sudden loss of Donna Tweeten,” said Jeremy Gosch, Chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee. “Not only was Donna a trailblazer across Hy-Vee and the retail industry, she was a true friend and mentor to many, myself included. Donna leaves behind a lasting legacy and will forever be remembered for her bold ideas, creative passion and commitment to excellence. We miss her deeply and words cannot express the sorrow that is being felt across our Hy-Vee family due to the impact she had on all of us.”
Information on Donna’s funeral/service has not yet been finalized; however, we expect those details to be announced soon.
"We send our thoughts and prayers to Donna’s family including Donna’s husband Alan and their five children — Carlie, Nick, Ben, Max and Ella — as well as their grandchildren," he added.
