Lead DSM

Congratulations to Ben Hildebrandt (GDMLI '98) on being named the next Executive Director of the Polk County Bar Association! We look forward to seeing Ben's leadership and experience guide the organization into its next chapter—congratulations on this exciting new role!

Exciting news from the Polk County Bar Association!

After 36 years of dedicated leadership, our Executive Director, Carol Phillips, will retire at the end of this year. Following a thorough search by our hiring committee, we are pleased to announce her successor: Mr. Ben Hildebrandt.

We are confident that Ben will be a fantastic addition to our organization and is well suited to help guide the organization through this transition. Ben has previously held leadership roles with the Iowa Bankers Association, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Hospital Association, and was executive director of the American Institute of Architects-Iowa Chapter. He has also served several area law firms in various capacities.

Ben will officially step into his role this July. To ensure a seamless transition, Carol will move into an emeritus role to assist and train Ben until her official retirement in December.

Please join us in giving Ben a warm welcome to the PCBA team!

Congratulations to Ryan Moon (CC '21) on being recognized as a member of the Des Moines Business Record's 2026 Forty Under 40 class!

Meet Ryan Moon, a member of our 2026 Forty Under 40 class: https://www.businessrecord40.com/ryan-moon