2023 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year: Kim Butler Hegedus

Kim Butler Hegedus says she chooses what she does because “they’re the right things to do.”

And Hegedus has done a lot, and for all the work she has done she is being recognized as the Business Record’s 2023 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year.

Each year, one previous Forty Under 40 honoree is selected by the Business Record for the award, and Butler Hegedus, a member of the 2001 Forty Under 40 class, will be recognized at this year’s Forty Under 40 celebration.

Butler Hegedus, who considers herself an “accidental banker,” joined Community State Bank in 2018. She began her banking career as an intern at the then Hawkeye Bank. That led to a full-time job, and after subsequent positions at regional banks, Butler Hegedus returned to her community banking roots and has helped Community State Bank reach record growth and profits.

In her current role as executive vice president and chief lending officer of Community State Bank, she has helped lead the creation of a leadership development program for bank employees and has helped the bank reach record growth and profits. Butler Hegedus is also known for her involvement in the community.

She is the co-founder of DSM Financial Executive Women, past chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, board president of Variety – the Children’s Charity, a board member at On With Life Foundation, and a member of the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation.

Butler Hegedus has also previously served in positions with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, American Cancer Society, and Youth Emergency Services and Shelter.

Butler Hegedus was nominated for the award by Kelly Barrick, past president of DSM Financial Executive Women, who described her as a “trailblazer who is always willing to lend her advice to DSM FEW members.”

“With Kim, women find an open heart and mind when it comes to these unique challenges” that women face in the workplace, Barrick wrote.

Jann Freed, leadership development coach and consultant, praised Butler Hegedus for her ability to lift up others.

“Kim does not stop,” Freed wrote in a letter of recommendation. “One of her characteristics I admire the most is her dedication to lifting up others — particularly other women.”

Don Coffin, CEO and president of Bankers Trust, wrote: “Kim’s passion for supporting the community extends well beyond the walls of her office.”

Coffin also cited Butler Hegedus’ involvement in “several influential organizations,” and her involvement with DSM FEW.

“She frequently meets with community members to share her wisdom and advice for growing professionally and deepening their community involvement,” Coffin wrote in his letter recommending Butler Hegedus for the award.

Butler Hegedus was the first woman in her family to graduate from college, and earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Central College in Pella. She is married and has two sons and three grandchildren.

The Business Record sat down with Butler Hegedus recently to learn more about her, who her role models were, advice she has for young professionals and what she thinks about being named the Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year. The Q&A has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Where did your inspirations come from growing up?

I was raised in a very small town in northwest Iowa, and both my parents were very involved in our little community from my earliest memory until I graduated high school. My dad was serving on the school board, and my mom started our little historical society. So it was a real example of servant leadership that was set in our house.

Why is community involvement important to you?

Des Moines is such a welcoming community that you have the opportunity to get involved and be a leader in whatever you choose to participate in, and I think by doing that, we all get better. That’s the only way we’re going to continue to get better. You look at the folks that have gone well ahead of me and all the things that they were able to do in our community, and we all need to pitch in if we want this to be a vibrant place to live and work and raise our families.

How does working for a community bank relate to your community involvement outside of the office?

I like to think that what we do is not just lending money because it’s a commodity, right? If I’m able to help you because I loaned you money to be successful, you’re going to hire more people. Those people are going to buy houses. They’re going to educate their children. And again, we’re all better because you’ve been successful. It is about relationships. It’s working together as a board or fundraising committee to help those organizations be successful and help our children. It’s about making us all better to move forward.

What continues to motivate you?

It’s the relationships that you build with companies and customers. It’s the people.

What advice would you give to young professionals today?

I would encourage them to get involved in the community. Do the best you can to have career success but don’t forget to look over your shoulder to see if anybody is following you. And if they are, make sure you’re lending a hand. If not, figure out why. Maybe you’re too much about you rather than helping others along the way.

What would you say to this year’s Forty Under 40 class?

You’re only 40. You still have a lot of runway ahead of you and you’re going to do amazing things, I’m sure.

How does someone ensure that they stay on that path to do amazing things?

There’s some self-care that has to happen. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself and your family, and you continue to have the energy you need to bring to your job or whatever board you serve on. Make sure you take time for yourself to do the things that energize you, revitalize you and rejuvenate you.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I’m very humbled because so many folks have gone through this process of being recognized that I’m sure there are a lot of other folks out there that have a huge body of work and things they have accomplished. It feels nice to get recognized for things that you do because they feel like they’re the right things to do as you do them. I’m super excited about it, but humbled at the same time because 40 times however many classes, there have been a lot of folks who have gone on to do way more important and earth-shattering things than me.