CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Megan Murphy Salyer's story is reflective of the story of Cedar Rapids itself—a tale of resilience, community spirit and the power of turning adversity into opportunity.
Born in Council Bluffs and raised in the Cedar Rapids area, Murphy Salyer has witnessed her hometown face not one, but two devastating natural disasters. Yet rather than being deterred, these experiences shaped her into a passionate advocate for community and now, a developer helping to build Iowa's energy future.
"I moved back to Cedar Rapids in the exact week of the Iowa flood of 2008," Murphy Salyer recalled. "It was devastating for the community and the entire surrounding area, and it's an experience I will never forget."
That flood, which submerged much of downtown Cedar Rapids under 15 feet of water, became a defining moment. Murphy Salyer started her career with the city of Palo soon after to support their flood recovery efforts, with City Hall flooded and makeshift offices consisting of little more than a couple of chairs.
But it was during the 2020 derecho—a devastating inland hurricane that struck with just 15 minutes warning—that Murphy Salyer truly understood the power of community and corporate responsibility. She was working at NextEra Energy Resources by this time.
"I was driving with blue skies into a black wall. We watched the trees snap next to the road," she said. "Thankfully, I got home in time to huddle safely in the basement, but a 150-year-old oak tree fell on our house. It was literally raining inside."
The derecho left absolute destruction in Cedar Rapids. But Murphy Salyer witnessed something remarkable: NextEra Energy Resources' immediate response and care for its employees and community.
"The company came through with its hurricane protocol. Human resources reached out to make sure all employees were safe and accounted for. They brought us supplies—cleaning products, ice and generators. They had a crew on my house tarping my roof almost immediately," she said. "All cell service was down. All street signs were gone. But NextEra was taking care of its people."
This experience reinforced Murphy Salyer's belief in the importance of clear, compassionate communication—skills she had honed throughout her career.
Today, as an energy developer in Iowa, Murphy Salyer brings that same community-focused approach. Recently, she participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Rock Creek Energy Center, where she witnessed the careful balance between development and stewardship.
"You hear from the landowners who care deeply about the land. They've invested their lives in the land. They are the caretakers of it. Seeing them trust us to continue that role of caretaking in a way that provides them a stable income for generations and keep the land in the family is huge," she explained.
The company’s energy projects provide diversified income for farmers and generate economic benefits for local communities. It's this attention to community needs that drives her work.
"Landowners don't enter into this lightly. They want to make sure we are doing the right thing and that we are being responsible stewards of the land," she said. "When we deliver on our expectations and live our values, that's how we can keep moving forward."
Murphy Salyer's commitment to Cedar Rapids extends beyond her professional role. She serves on the board of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation and was instrumental in the construction of a new west side library location.
The community rallied to raise the money for the new facility, which will open this fall.
"The library is for everyone. It serves everyone," she said.
Her dedication to service runs in the family—her father was a police officer, her mother a nurse who later became a teacher. That legacy continues with her daughter, Izzy, who wants to become an animal rescue veterinarian.
Murphy Salyer brought Izzy to the Rock Creek Energy Center groundbreaking, seeing it as more than just a work event.
"I wanted her to see what her mom is doing and the positive things that are happening in Iowa," she said. "Thinking about our community here, we've had two major disasters. But the work I do can make the world a little better for her."
Murphy Salyer's journey reflects the broader story of Cedar Rapids—a community with a track record of emerging stronger, more connected and more committed to building the future. Her work now helps ensure that Iowa's energy landscape will be as resilient as the communities it serves.
