About Taxpayers of Central Iowa

The Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa (TACI), founded in 1921 as the Polk Des Moines Taxpayers Association, is an independent, nonpartisan organization committed to promoting efficient and effective local government. Originally focused on Des Moines and Polk County, it expanded in 2011 to include Warren and Dallas counties. TACI advocates for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable public spending, particularly in areas like property tax policy. Through research, public engagement, and policy analysis, the organization aims to ensure that government services are delivered at a high quality and reasonable cost, enhancing the overall quality of life in Central Iowa.

Our Mission

To create vibrant, safe, and just, communities in central Iowa we need the services provided by a strong public sector. The financial resources available to support them, however, are not unlimited. A balance needs to be achieved.

Our Goals

  • Be a trusted and visible source of information for taxpayers about local government financial issues and local government performance
  • Provide a strong source of support for local officials in identifying and pursuing opportunities that promote efficiency;
  • Lead in moving intergovernmental cooperative efforts that result in better service for less cost
  • Carry out our mission as an engaged member association with sufficient monetary support.

TACI Officers and Executive Committee

Marc Ward | President
Marc is the president of TACI. He is also Senior of Counsel at the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron. He earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and his law degree from Drake University. His community service includes 9 years of service on the school board for the Des Moines Public Schools and 9 years of service as a Trustee on the Broadlawns Medical Center Board of Trustees. Marc can be reached at pres@taxpayersci.org.

Michele Wilkie | Chair
Michele is Prairie Meadows Executive Vice President. Michele earned both her undergraduate degree and her MBA from the University of Iowa.

Libby Jacobs | Immediate Past Chair
Libby is President of The Jacobs Group LLC. She has a BA in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned her MPA from Drake University. Libby is a former state legislator and former chair of the Iowa Utilities Board.  

Ron Herman | Vice Chair, EMC Insurance Companies – Vice President of Corporate Tax
Ron is a CPA and has his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and his Masters from Drake University.

Rich Pullen | Secretary
Rich is the Director Tax Compliance & Advocacy at Principal Financial Group

Carmine Boal | At-Large
Carmine was educated at the American Institute of Business Drake University. She has served as a member of the Ankeny School Board and the Iowa House of Representatives. She worked as the Policy and Development Director for Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education and as the Director of the Iowa State Boards and Commissions from 2011-to 2013 served as Chief Clerk of the Iowa House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019.