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Legacy Leavers: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Welcome to Legacy Leavers, a podcast that celebrates the visionaries that have shaped, and are shaping, Greater Des Moines through philanthropy, leadership and service. At the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, we believe we’re simply Better Together — and these powerful and inspiring stories prove it. From personal turning points to powerful acts of giving, we explore what truly drives a life of legacy.
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- 6 days ago30 min
Doing What You’re Supposed to Do with Rich Willis
Today, we’re delighted to welcome Rich Willis to Legacy Leavers. After starting at a local Cadillac dealership washing cars in 1972, Rich spent over five decades building Willis Automotive, grounding his career in relationships, integrity, and mentorship. Alongside his wife, Kim, he has deeply invested in our community in so many ways. As Willis Automotive enters a new chapter, this is a perfect time to reflect on Rich’s journey and the values he hopes will carry forward. Let’s soak in the story of Rich Willis, in his own words. Links from the episode Willis Automotive History of Willis Cadillac Simpson College Blank Children’s Hospital
- Jul 22, 202647 min
Committed to Community with Ako Abdul-Samad
Today we get to hear from a leader whose life has been defined by service, resilience and an unwavering commitment to community - Ako Abdul-Samad. Ako is a lifelong resident of Des Moines and one of the most impactful voices in our state’s recent history. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives for nearly two decades, representing Des Moines and advocating for equity, justice and opportunity for all Iowans.But his leadership began long before being elected for office. In the 1960s, Ako was part of the movement for civil rights and social justice, including his time as a leader in the Black Panther Party here in Des Moines.That early commitment to justice evolved into a lifetime of service. Ako founded Creative Visions, an organization still serving Des Moines and dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and helping them build paths toward stability and success. Ako also served on the Des Moines School Board and has been a consistent advocate for our youth, families, and underserved communities across our community and state. What makes Ako’s story especially powerful is that it is not only shaped by leadership, but by personal loss, faith, and a deep belief in the potential of every human being. Links from the episode Ako’s Bio Black Panther Party Des Moines Chapter Black Panther Party Reflections Creative Visions Ako’s book - A DEEPER TRUTH: Revelations of the Soul
- Jul 8, 202642 min
Shaping a City with Christine Hensley
Today on Legacy Leavers, we are excited to sit down with someone who has helped shape the Des Moines we know today—Christine Hensley. Chris is a lifelong Des Moines resident and one of the most influential civic leaders our city has known. She served on the Des Moines City Council for more than two decades, becoming the longest-serving council member in the city’s history and playing a key role in many of the projects that transformed our community. During her years in public service, Chris helped champion projects that have become defining parts of Des Moines—from the revitalization of Gray’s Lake to the creation of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Lauridsen Skatepark, and the Pappajohn Higher Education Center downtown. Her commitment to education, housing, and civic engagement has extended far beyond City Hall. Chris has served on countless nonprofit boards, been inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame, and today continues her service to our state as a member of the Iowa Board of Regents. What stands out most to me about Christine Hensley is her reputation as someone who shows up, solves problems, and believes deeply in the potential of partnership and of this community. Links from the episodeYWCA of Greater Des Moines Gray’s Lake Park Lauridsen Skate Park Pappajohn Sculpture Park Pappajohn Education Center Iowa Board of Regents
- Jun 24, 202652 min
Daring Diplomacy with Ambassador Kenneth Quinn
Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a local AND global leader whose life’s work has bridged diplomacy, humanitarian service and the fight against hunger - Ambassador Kenneth Quinn. Ambassador Quinn has spent decades serving both our country and our world. A career diplomat with the U.S. Foreign Service for more than 30 years, he served in critical roles across Southeast Asia, including six years in Vietnam during the war, and later as the United States Ambassador to Cambodia.But Ken’s legacy is also deeply rooted here in Iowa. After retiring from the State Department, he returned to Des Moines in 2000 to lead the World Food Prize Foundation. Over the next two decades, he helped elevate the World Food Prize into a globally recognized award - often described as the “Nobel Prize for food and agriculture” - and oversaw the creation of the stunning Borlaug Hall of Laureates right here in the center of our city. Along the way, Ken has received countless honors for courage, leadership and humanitarian service—including the State Department’s Award for Heroism and the Iowa Award, our state’s highest citizen honor. Ambassador Quinn’s story is one of extraordinary courage, global impact and serve as proof that Iowans can, indeed, change the world. Links from the episode Ambassador Quinn’s Bio Ambassador Quinn’s Video Memoir United States Foreign Service United States Embassy in Cambodia World Food Prize Foundation World Food Prize Hall of Laureates Kenneth Quinn in Detail
- Jun 10, 202642 min
Advocating for an Inclusive Future with Sally Pederson
Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a leader whose career has been defined by service, advocacy and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for others - Sally Pederson. Sally served as Iowa’s 44th Lieutenant Governor from 1999 to 2007, alongside Governor Tom Vilsack, helping lead our state during a time of significant focus on education, economic development, equity and access in healthcare and quality of life. Before her time in public office, Sally built a successful career in the private sector as an editor and executive with Meredith Corporation, bringing a strong foundation in communication and leadership to her public service. But what makes Sally’s story especially powerful is how personal experience shaped her public impact. As the parent of a child with autism, she became a tireless, and effective, advocate for individuals with disabilities - work that ultimately led her to help create one of the most innovative programs in the country. Sally initiated the vision for what would become the REACH program at the University of Iowa, a program designed to provide a true college experience for young adults with intellectual and learning disabilities and to prepare them for independent, meaningful lives.Today, hundreds of students have graduated from the REACH program and are living, working and contributing in communities across the country - a lasting testament to Sally’s vision and legacy. Sally’s life reminds us that some of the most meaningful legacies come from seeing a gap and choosing to fill it. Links from the episode Sally Pederson’s bio Better Homes and Gardens The Homestead UI REACH
- May 27, 202654 min
Business Leader to Community Builder with Fred Hubbell
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
- Jan 21, 202627 min
Bonus - Reflecting on Meaningful Memories with Karla Jones
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
- Dec 17, 202544 min
Leading Beyond the Newsroom with Michael Gartner
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
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About Legacy Leavers
Welcome to Legacy Leavers, a podcast that celebrates the visionaries that have shaped, and are shaping, Greater Des Moines through philanthropy, leadership and service. At the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, we believe we’re simply Better Together — and these powerful and inspiring stories prove it. From personal turning points to powerful acts of giving, we explore what truly drives a life of legacy.
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