Renee Hardman

Renee Hardman made history in 2017 as the first African American woman elected to the West Des Moines City Council. She is currently serving her second term. As of January 2024, she is the President and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), one of the state's largest human services agencies. Her previous roles include being the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources for Broadlawns Medical Center, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Bankers Trust. She earned both a bachelor's degree and an MBA from Drake University. Hardman has received numerous awards, including being inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Des Moines Business Record.