Brent Macke realized early in his career the importance of giving back to the community, and he has carried that commitment through each position he’s held. 

“I learned early on that if you’re going to do business in this community, you need to get involved,” he said. “And what’s great is there are so many organizations in this city to get involved with.” 

Macke began working for Holmes Murphy & Associates Inc. 14 years ago, after having worked as an employee benefits administrator with one of the state’s largest not-for-profit organizations. In 2008, Macke was recognized as a rising leader within the firm and invited to participate in HMA University, and in 2009, he became a shareholder. 

Over the years, Macke has volunteered with several organizations, among them Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, Variety – The Children’s Charity, the Ankeny High School mentorship program and Easter Seals Iowa. Originally from Carroll, the Buena Vista University graduate found participating in the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2006 to be a great way to identify where he wanted to serve.

“Brent is a true asset to the Des Moines community,” wrote Sherri Nielsen, president and CEO of Easter Seals Iowa. 

Nielsen noted that Macke’s professional expertise helped her organization become a Blue Zones Worksite, and that his volunteer leadership of the organization’s annual Sunnyside Regatta helped make the fundraising event its most successful ever. 

“I’m pretty proud of how we’ve been able to bring the strength of Holmes Murphy to Easter Seals over the past couple of years,” Macke said. 

Macke and his wife, Angie, live in Ankeny, have been married for 14 years and have three daughters: Kennedy, 11, Alli, 8, and Olivia, 3.

“I think the thing I’m most proud of in my career is that I’ve been able to maintain a successful career and and to be involved in the community, and still be a good dad and get to their events,” he said.

Reasons he’s a forty:

• He graduated from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute when he was 29, and was also involved in developing United Way of Central Iowa’s Emerging Leaders Initiative. 
• Macke serves on the HMA Investment Committee that guides the firm’s 401(k) investment program and also serves on its Principal Charity Classic Committee. 
• He serves on Ankeny High School’s mentorship program, where he meets with a student weekly.  
• He’s deeply involved in coaching his three daughters’ sports teams.