Iowans for Adoption Honors Bill Pearce, Honorary Board Member, On His Retirement from Adoption Associates of Iowa

By Dr. Diana Lang, Executive Director & Founder, Iowans for Adoption

Des Moines, Iowa (March 1, 2026) — Iowans for Adoption proudly announces the retirement of longtime Honorary Board Member, former Board President, and former Vice President, Bill Pearce, a lifelong public servant whose unwavering advocacy has strengthened adoption policy, education, and child welfare across Iowa.

An Iowa family who finalized their adoption with Adoption Associates of Iowa - at Bill Pearce's retirement celebration

An Iowa family who finalized their adoption with Adoption Associates of Iowa - at Bill Pearce's retirement celebration

Pearce’s commitment to children and families is both professional and personal. Adopted by his stepfather at age 17, Bill began championing adoption at a young age — a passion that shaped his career and volunteer service for decades.

Bill Pearce with baby who joined family through adoption

A graduate of Drake University, where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. in sociology, Pearce built a distinguished career as an adoption investigator (since 1982) who also worked 25 years in the Juvenile Court system. Throughout his career, Pearce also:

• Founded (2015), operated, and co-operated a private, secular adoption agency--Adoption Associates of Iowa

  

  Adoption Associates of Iowa celebration for Bill Pearce

• Conducted professional seminars on child development, juvenile justice, family dynamics, and adoption issues

• Investigated contested divorce custody cases for Family Court across the United States

• Managed a psychiatric clinic

• Taught Criminal and Juvenile Law at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and

• Freelanced as a writer on family and social policy topics

He is co-author of Scruffy Shares a Secret, an illustrated storybook supporting young children of parents impacted by alcoholism, and Tough-Minded Parenting. He is also the primary author and editor of The Infant Adoption Process in Iowa.

Pearce’s expertise spans individuals and families in crisis, organizational systems, budgeting, public policy, and law. His insight has been instrumental in shaping educational materials and advocacy efforts that continue to benefit Iowa’s children.

“Bill’s wisdom, integrity, and steady leadership have greatly influenced our work and organization,” said Dr. Diana Lang, Founder and Executive Director of Iowans for Adoption. “Bill's ability to combine compassion with practical knowledge and initiative has helped countless individuals across Iowa navigate complex systems to build families through adoption. He has been an excellent mentor across many fields of interest."

Individuals mentored by Bill Pearce who attended Bill's retirement (from left to right): Chrys Bitting, Bill Pearce, Diana Lang, Carla Tripp

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill and his wife, Karen, concurrently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary and Bill's "official" retirement. Bill and Karen are proud parents of two, grandparents of three, and great-grandparents of three.

Bill and Karen Pearce's 65th wedding anniversary

While retiring from his Executive Director role with Adoption Associates of Iowa, Pearce’s legacy remains firmly woven into the mission and educational foundation of Iowans for Adoption and adoption policies across Iowa.

💜 Do You Want to Help or Leave a Legacy Like Bill Pearce?

Join Us. Iowans for Adoption works every day to promote adoption awareness, educate families, and advocate for children in need of permanent homes.

📞 Contact Us to learn how you can volunteer or partner with our mission.

💜 Donate Now to help us continue making adoption accessible and celebrated across Iowa.

For more information, visit www.IowansForAdoption.org, or contact Dr. Diana Lang, at baltimore.diana@gmail.com.