Today on Legacy Leavers, we're honored to sit down with a leader whose name is deeply woven into the history—and the future—of Des Moines: Fred Hubbell.

Fred is a businessman, a committed civic leader, and strategic philanthropist whose impact spans decades. A Des Moines native, Fred built his career leading major organizations, including serving as president of Equitable of Iowa and chair of its Younkers retail division, helping guide the company through periods of significant growth and transformation.

But Fred’s leadership extends well beyond business. He has played a key role in shaping public policy and community investment in Iowa—serving as acting director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development and chairing the Iowa Power Fund, helping guide investments in renewable energy and economic growth across the state.

Fred and his wife, Charlotte, have also been extraordinary champions of philanthropy—supporting causes across health care, education, the environment, and the arts, and helping lead major community efforts, including disaster recovery following the 2008 floods.

And in 2018, Fred stepped into the public arena in a new way, running for governor of Iowa and engaging Iowans across all 99 counties in conversations about the future of our state.

At the heart of Fred’s story is a deep belief in community; that success is not just about what you build, but what and how you give back.

Links from the Episode :

Fred Hubbell Bio

Equitable of Iowa

Younkers

Iowa Department of Economic Development

2008 Flooding

Hostage situation Pakistani Airlines Boeing 720

Today we’re joined by Karla Jones, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines — a member of the Community Foundation leadership team for over two decades. Under Karla’s financial leadership the organization grew dramatically, from a small foundation with big dreams to one of the largest Community Foundations in the nation with more than $1B in assets under administration. Karla also helped lead the Foundation through major initiatives including the development of the Community Foundation’s Campus and C3 Center.

Karla flexed her innovation and visionary muscle building the financial infrastructure for instrumental philanthropic programs such as the Community Foundation’s affiliate program, Endow Iowa Tax Credit program, the Charitable Investment Partners program and ImpactDSM, the Community Foundation’s impact investing program. She lives the better together spirit and she will most certainly be missed.

Links from the episode:

Community Foundation Campus and C3 Center

Community Foundation Affiliate Program

Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program

Charitable Investment Partners

Arizona Community Foundation

Today on Legacy Leavers, we're excited to sit down with a true journalistic icon and committed civic steward, Michael Gartner. Born and raised right here in Des Moines, Michael’s professional story began when he was just 15 years old in the sports department of The Des Moines Register and has since spanned the highest echelons of national media, public service and community building.

Over decades, Michael served as Page-One Editor at The Wall Street Journal, led The Des Moines Register as editor and president, oversaw NBC News as its president, and was editor of The Daily Tribune in Ames—where he earned a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.

His passion for civic life is just as impressive. Michael chaired Vision Iowa, which revitalized the state’s infrastructure, he served as president of the Iowa Board of Regents, and was owner of the Iowa Cubs, demonstrating his spirit of generosity by distributing proceeds from the sale of the team among the Iowa Cubs’ staff.

Michael’s life reminds us that legacy is built through stories, community and the people we lift up along the way.

Links from the Episode:

The Des Moines Register

The Wall Street Journal

NBC News

The Ames Daily Tribune

Pulitzer Prize

Vision Iowa

Iowa Cubs