Katie Hillyer

Katie Hillyer is a business leader, entrepreneur, and University of Northern Iowa alumna whose career has been defined by building programs, developing people, and driving growth across both higher education and the private sector.

Hillyer began her career in public relations before returning to UNI, where she spent over a decade leading and expanding student-focused initiatives within the Wilson College of Business. As Director of the Office for Professional Distinction, she played a key role in developing nationally recognized programming that equipped students with professional skills, certifications, and real-world experiences to better prepare them for the workforce. She also served as the founding advisor for Women in Business, helping grow the organization into a thriving community focused on leadership development, networking, and empowerment.

Transitioning from higher education into the private sector, Hillyer moved into executive leadership roles where she applied her strengths in strategy, operations, and team development to drive business performance and organizational growth.

Today, Hillyer is the co-owner of True North Restoration of Iowa, a disaster restoration company serving communities across Eastern Iowa, and co-owner of Raystone Environmental, where she continues to build and scale service-based businesses rooted in strong values and operational excellence.

Hillyer remains deeply connected to UNI and is passionate about helping bridge the gap between education and industry. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience in program development, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship.