Monica Chavez-Silva

Monica Chavez-Silva serves as Grinnell College’s VP for Community Engagement and Strategic Planning. As a member of the President’s Direct Report team, she leads efforts to connect college and community planning, including the college’s strategic planning, economic development, and external relations functions. She is recognized as a national leader in developing effective cross-sector collaborations.

Chavez currently serves as Manager for the Strand Theatre LLC, Co-president of the Grinnell Private Investment Corporation, Vice President of the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, Program Co-chair of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and Advisory Council member of the Anchor Institution Taskforce. Previously, she has served as President of the Iowa Council of Foundations, as a board member of the International Town and Gown Association, and as communications chair for the Small Town and Rural Planning Division of the American Planning Association.  Recognized by the Business Record's Women of Influence award in 2024, Chavez holds an AB from Harvard College.