Iowa Code § 633.294: Order of preference for appointment of executor.

Letters testamentary may be granted to one or more persons found to be qualified. Preference for appointment shall be in the following order:

1. The person designated in the will;

2. Any beneficiary named in the will, or a person nominated by the beneficiaries;

3. Any creditor of the deceased, or a person nominated by such creditor;

4. Such other person as the court may find to be qualified.