Polk County Bar Association

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!

We were joined this week by Justice Christopher McDonald Justice David May of the Iowa Supreme Court to speak at our 2026 Annual PCBA Law Clerk Luncheon. President-Elect Corrin Hatala led a wonderful Q and A session with law clerks, summer associates and member attorneys. A big thanks to everyone who was able to join - what a great showing from our local legal community!

Today the Polk County Bar Association held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Members. Joseph Moser officially took office as PCBA President and Immediate Past President Drew J. Gentsch was recognized for his leadership over the last year.

We are looking forward to another great year at the PCBA!

Another great PCBA Law Day celebration is in the books! PCBA President Drew J. Gentsch and PCBA Law Day Committee Co-Chair Katie Overberg along with PCBA staff and committee members welcomed a talented group of nearly 50 students from across the metro who created winning projects for this year's theme: The Rule of Law and the American Dream. Judge Ashley Stewart of Polk County was our keynote speaker who gave inspirational remarks to our student winners.

A huge thanks to our dedicated committee and team for making this a memorable day for our talented local students.