Pella’s Jenn Tuetken Named 2026 innovationLEADER of the Year

Pella Corporation is proud to announce that Jenn Tuetken, Director of Innovation, Design & Brand Experience, has been named the 2026 innovationLEADER of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record. The award recognizes an Iowa leader who demonstrates originality in innovation, measurable impact on their organization and industry, and a commitment to fostering innovation in others.

Tuetken is recognized for her ability to bring together human-centered design, engineering insight, and business discipline to solve meaningful problems for homeowners and professional installers. Over the past decade, she has helped shape and scale Pella’s innovation strategy – building a disciplined, repeatable approach that turns insight into impact.

Under her leadership, Pella has introduced a series of category-defining innovations, including the Integrated Rolscreen®, Easy-Slide Operator, Hidden Screen, and most recently, Steady Set™ — the industry’s first interior installation system for new construction. Steady Set™ enables faster installation, reduces the need for multiple installers, and improves jobsite safety by significantly limiting exterior ladder work.

“Jenn has built something rare: an innovation capability that is both highly creative and deeply disciplined,” said Keith Mann, Chief Marketing Officer. “She has helped transform how we approach innovation at Pella, ensuring that great ideas translate into meaningful solutions for our customers and measurable impact for our business. This recognition reflects not only her leadership, but the culture she has built and the teams she continues to elevate.”

Tuetken’s leadership has also contributed to broader recognition for Pella as a leader in innovation. The company has been named to Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators and has received honors for innovation, design, and partnership from organizations including Lowe’s.

While the award recognizes Tuetken’s individual leadership, it also reflects the collaborative culture that supports innovation at Pella. Cross-functional teams across the organization contribute to developing solutions that deliver meaningful value to customers and solve real problems for real people.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just for me, but for the teams I have the privilege to work with every day,” said Tuetken. “Innovation at Pella is truly a team effort, grounded in understanding our customers and pushing ourselves to find better ways to serve them.”

The innovationIOWA awards, presented annually by the Business Record, celebrate innovation happening across the state. Recipients are nominated by members of the community and selected by Business Record leadership based on their impact, leadership, and commitment to advancing innovation.