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 episode

YWCA of Greater Des Moines 

Gray’s Lake Park 

Lauridsen Skate Park 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park 

Pappajohn Education Center 

Iowa Board of Regents