Earlier this week, Horizon Science Academy Des Moines’s Founding Governing Board Chair, Christine Hensley, was honored for the decades she has devoted to strengthening her hometown. DSM Magazine recognized the Des Moines native during its annual “Sage Over 70” event on Nov. 12, celebrating community leaders whose influence continues to shape the city.
Hensley’s distinguished record of service spans nearly every corner of civic life. She spent 24 years on the Des Moines City Council, was named a Business Record Woman of Influence in 2001, and later served on the Iowa Board of Regents. With a long history of championing progress in Des Moines, she was a natural fit for this year’s class of honorees.
“I decided early on in my community involvement that there were two things that nobody really felt comfortable doing: public speaking and fundraising,” she told dsm. “So I said, you know what? I’m not as good or as comfortable with that, but I’m going to use this as an opportunity to gain some experience.”
Throughout her career, Hensley has focused on issues that matter deeply to her (especially housing, and arts and culture). Those priorities helped define her tenure on the city council, where she championed economic development and worked to make Des Moines a place where both residents and businesses could thrive.
“I loved working to make sure people and businesses were aware of what the city could do for them, and what the city had to offer,” she said. “I have a ‘can do’ attitude. Walking into meetings, the staff knew I always wanted to try and make things work.”
Her peers say her influence on Des Moines is both profound and lasting.
“I can think of no one whose wisdom, experience and continued engagement have more profoundly shaped the Des Moines we know and love today,” said Steve Lacy, retired executive chairman of Meredith Corporation (now People Inc.).
“Christine’s leadership is marked by her remarkable ability to balance pragmatism with compassion,” added retired CEO and executive chairman Dan Houston. “She has brought people together to find solutions to complex challenges, earning the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.”
Horizon Science Academy Des Moines is proud to have Hensley’s support in its mission to provide high-quality education to the community and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition from dsm magazine.
