Graceland University Names David Siddall ’85 Chair of Board of Trustees

LAMONI, Iowa — Graceland University is pleased to announce that David L. Siddall ’85 has been named Chair of its Board of Trustees, bringing decades of experience in executive leadership, corporate governance and finance, along with a lifelong connection to Graceland.

For Siddall, the appointment is another chapter in a family story that began long before his time as a student. Raised in Lamoni as the youngest of seven children, he saw the university through the eyes of his father, Cecil; who worked nearly 20 years on Graceland’s housekeeping staff and helped make a Graceland education possible for his children, and for his wife, Mary Lou. David himself worked in campus facilities as a teenager and college student.

“David brings an exceptional combination of professional experience, institutional knowledge and genuine love for Graceland,” said President Joel Shrock, Ph.D. “He understands this university not only as an alumnus and former executive, but as someone whose family has been shaped by the Graceland experience. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue investing in the university’s future.”

Siddall graduated magna cum laude from Graceland in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He earned a Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Master of Laws in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law.

Before returning to his alma mater in 2018, Siddall built a distinguished career in corporate law and governance. He held senior legal leadership positions at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and El Paso Corporation, overseeing matters involving governance, compliance, finance and major corporate transactions. He later co-founded Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP, focusing on estate planning and corporate legal services.

From 2018 to 2022, Siddall served as Graceland’s Vice President for Business and Finance. Since retiring from that position, he has continued to support the university as a special advisor to the president and as a member and Chair of the Board of Directors of SkillPath, a Graceland subsidiary. His leadership expertise from the SkillPath Board will transition flawlessly into his role as chair of Graceland’s Board of Trustees.

“Graceland has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Siddall said. “My family experienced firsthand the opportunities this university creates, and I have been fortunate to see its impact as a student, employee and volunteer. It is an honor to serve as Board Chair, and I look forward to working with President Shrock and my fellow trustees to ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to experience all that makes Graceland special.”

A longtime member of Community of Christ, Siddall currently serves on the church’s Finance Board and has volunteered with organizations supporting children and families, including as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care.

Away from his professional and volunteer work, Siddall enjoys pickleball, running, cycling, hiking and traveling—and has a particular fondness for ice cream. He and his wife, Rachel, have two children and seven grandchildren.

As Graceland advances its Blue, Gold & Bold strategic priorities and Our Time to Lead campaign, Siddall’s appointment reflects the university’s commitment to strong governance and a future grounded in the values that have shaped generations of Graceland students.