Chandler DeWees, CNP, is Building Partnerships from the Ground Up!

Written by: Miles Bilka, CNP, Marketing Manager, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

In a world where professionals often choose between careers that build profit and those that build community, Chandler DeWees is quietly doing both. He’s slowing down, showing up, and building something that truly lasts in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

As the Business Development Manager at Rinderknecht Associate, Inc. and Merit Construction Company, two commercial general contractors with more than 140 years of history in the Midwest, Chandler is known for building partnerships with schools, hospitals, churches, and other essential community spaces. And he’s doing it with the heart of a nonprofit professional, because that’s exactly what he is: a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)!  

Earlier in his career, Chandler spent nearly three years at Horizons, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit focused on basic needs and financial wellness. While it’s not the typical background you’d expect in the commercial construction world, it’s exactly what sets him apart. 

From Business Major to Community Builder

“I started as a business major,” Chandler recalls of his time at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). “But I really wanted something that was kind of hands-on and focused on community.” 

After a conversation with his academic advisor and a meeting with a professor from UNI’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development program, everything changed. “They suggested looking at a career in the nonprofit sector,” he said. “And I really didn’t have much of an idea of what the nonprofit sector involved or what that experience would be like.”  

That changed quickly.  

Following that conversation, Chandler joined the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s CNP Campus Partnership Program at UNI and began completing his credential requirements, immersing himself in the CNP’s 10 core competencies. “You’re not just learning from the outside…reading headlines…but actually going to City Hall meetings, meeting nonprofit leaders, and seeing their real needs.” he said. “Being involved with the community on a deeper level than just kind of existing in it.” 

That mindset has stayed with him even as he transitioned into the private sector. “Having that nonprofit knowledge is huge, especially in business development,” he noted. “You’re not just thinking, ‘How do we win this project?’ You’re thinking, ‘How do we help the community?’” 

A New Kind of Development

At Rinderknecht Associates & Merit Construction, Chandler helps lead business development for one of the most trusted construction firms in Iowa. But to him, the work is about far more than just blueprints. 

“We build buildings,” the company proudly states on its website, “but we also build our community.” 

For Chandler, one of the biggest takeaways from earning his CNP credential was learning how the private and nonprofit sectors can, and must, work together. This cross-sector fluency has become a defining strength. “I love being in spaces where collaboration happens,” he said. “The CNP program helped me develop the language and skills to move between sectors.” 

Whether he’s pitching a project, meeting with community stakeholders, or volunteering, he’s always thinking about the broader impact. “From my perspective, we’re not just building a school… we’re investing in a neighborhood. We’re not just laying concrete… we’re laying a foundation for the future.” 

Today, you can find Chandler supporting Phase 2 of the University of Northern Iowa’s Dome renovation through his work at Merit Construction. As a proud UNI graduate, the project hits home. The transformation includes new seating, accessibility upgrades, and state-of-the-art facilities that will serve students, athletes, and the broader community for decades to come. 

“To be involved in something that’s shaping the future of your alma mater… it’s just full circle,” he said. 

 

While Chandler’s workdays may involve meeting with Developers and building relationships in the communities they serve, his off-hours are filled with something just as vital: service. He currently serves as a Board Member for Willis Dady Homeless Services, an organization committed to preventing homelessness and providing shelter and support for individuals and families. “Being on that board really opened my eyes to the barriers people face and the systemic work we need to do,” he said. 

He also lends his time as an Associate Board Member for Tanager Place, a nonprofit focused on mental and behavioral health for youth, and volunteers with the United Way of East Central Iowa as a Health Solutions Team Member. Each of these roles reflects a common thread: leadership rooted in empathy, action, and listening. 

“The CNP really got me used to being in rooms with decision-makers,” he said. “And it taught me that just being in the room isn’t enough…you’ve got to speak up, ask questions, and make space for others.” 

Why the CNP Matters Now More Than Ever

Cedar Rapids is full of people making their communities stronger just like Chandler DeWees, CNP. “I don’t have to choose between doing business and doing good,” he said. “I can do both…and do them better because of the training I had.” 

“I think sometimes people assume you have to work for a nonprofit to make a difference,” DeWees said. “But the truth is, whatever role you’re in, you can bring that nonprofit mindset. You can serve. You can lift others up.” 

The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, gives leaders like Chandler the tools they need to thrive across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For Chandler, it’s made all the difference. “The CNP is really what helped me bridge the gap between my education and my purpose,” he said. 

He’s a builder in every sense of the word. And thanks to the CNP program, he’s building with purpose. 

Inspired by Chandler’s story? Join the national movement of purpose-driven professionals with the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential! 

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