Bob Vander Plaats was born and raised in Sheldon, Iowa. After earning both a Masters and a Specialist education degree from Drake University, he quickly advanced to the ranks of high school principal. Bob is the former CEO of Opportunities Unlimited. He acted as the Iowa state chair for former Republican Presidential candidate, Governor Mike Huckabee in 2008 and served as National Co-Chair for Ted Cruz for President in 2016. He unsuccessfully ran for governor of Iowa in 2002, 2006 and 2010, which led him to his current position as president and CEO of The Family Leader. He has been married to his wife Darla for over 30 years and together they have 4 sons.
