Christine Hensley

Former long-time Des Moines City Council member Christine Hensley brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Regents.

Hensley previously served as executive director of the YWCA of Greater Des Moines, and as Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for Bank of the West. She also served six consecutive terms on the Des Moines City Council (1994-2017), representing Ward 3 (downtown Des Moines and areas west and southwest of the city). She helped drive economic development throughout downtown, resulting in more than $3 billion in projects in the area.

She has served as president of the Iowa Student Loan Corporation, the Iowa League of Cities, and the Metro Advisory Council. She currently serves as chair of the Horizon Science Academy governing board. Among the honors she has received are being inducted into the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

Hensley attended Drake University and was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Grand View University.

She was appointed to the Board on September 26, 2024 by Governor Reynolds to fill the unexpired term of Mike Richards. Her term expires April 30, 2027.

Board Committees: Academic Affairs (vice chair), Investment and Finance

Appointed: 2024
Term Expires: 2027