Photo courtesy of Laura Wills Photography
Where were you born?
I was born in Fort Madison and raised on a farm outside of West Point. As the youngest of six girls, my sisters always thought that I was spoiled, but I remind them that if I had been a boy, I would have given a whole new definition to spoiled.
Where did you go to college?
After attending a small Catholic high school, I chose a small Catholic college, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, to pursue my degree inaccounting. After graduation, I went on to pass the CPA exam.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Leroy and I have two boys. Owen just graduated from Waukee High School and will be attending DMACC in the fall. He’ll be living in the campus housing in Ankeny. Jerad will be junior at Waukee High School.
Tell us briefly about your current career.
I’m a Manager at McGowen Hurst Clark and Smith, PC, a full-service public accounting and business advisory firm with offices in West Des Moines and Winterset. I work at the West Des Moines location. I help both individual and corporate clients by assisting them with their tax returns, providing accounting services and serving as a consultant on other financial issues. I enjoy working at MHC&S and I’m proud to be part of the team.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My boys are growing up quickly, so I enjoy spending as much time with them as I can – or as much as they will allow! I also enjoy giving back to my community. I have served on the boards of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce and the Waukee Leadership Institute. I currently serve on the board of the Greater Iowa Chapter of JDRF, a Type 1 Diabetes research foundation, and I volunteer at many of their events.
What do you like most about living and/or working in Waukee?
When I moved to Waukee more than 20 years ago, I thought I was moving to the country. Hickman Road was only two lanes and the home I currently live in was a grassy field. Who would have known back then that my son would graduate from a high school with 475 students in his class? Although Waukee has grown greatly, it still maintains its small-town feel.
Living in Waukee, where much of the development is complete, I can walk to the ice cream shop, farmer’s market and football stadium, which makes it feel like a small town. However, I’m excited to see the next phase of Waukee develop. The growth in the past has been in housing and in the school system. It will be great to see the commercial side of Waukee expand and grow, especially as the new Kettlestone Development begins to unfold. It’s an exciting time to live in Waukee.
What motivates and inspires you?
I enjoy helping clients and knowing that my work is valued. Hearing “thank you” from anyone – be it a client, co-worker, family member or friend – always makes me feel appreciated and makes me want to do even more.