Haley Gutschenritter
Retirement planner, Merkle Retirement Planning
Age: 33
Education: Simpson College — Bachelor of Science in biology (Summa Cum Laude); Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Professional Certification
Husband: Chad Gutschenritter
Children: Beckett Gutschenritter (5-month old, first-time mom!)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I co-founded The Kids At Heart Foundation, securing 501(c)(3) status and raising meaningful support for youth-focused nonprofits.
I served as chair of West YP, helping lead Iowa’s largest young professionals network.
While at Merkle Retirement Planning, I achieved my CFP® designation while rapidly growing my advisory practice and building long-term client relationships.
I led a West Des Moines Leadership Academy class project that raised $47,000 to expand mental health resources in local schools.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Losing my dad at a young age reshaped how I view time and relationships. It reinforced the importance of investing in people — and inspired me to make a lasting impact through my work and community involvement.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Walking away from a career in dentistry felt like failure at the time — but it became my greatest blessing. Choosing to close one door allowed another to open, preparing me to bet on myself at Merkle, accelerate my growth, pursue my CFP® and build a people-centered career rooted in impact.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I aspire to continue growing as a leader in retirement planning while expanding my community impact through education, nonprofit work and mentorship — helping families retire confidently and empowering the next generation of professionals.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m focused on refining how I communicate — not just what I say, but how I connect, listen and adapt to different audiences so others feel seen, understood and empowered.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Pursue opportunities that stretch you — even when you don’t feel fully ready. If someone offers you a seat at the table, they see your potential, so bet on yourself. Momentum and direction come from doing, learning and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I start and end each day with gratitude and reflection. Perspective shapes behavior, and choosing gratitude keeps me grounded, resilient and intentional in how I show up — both personally and professionally.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That leadership is a lonely island. The most impactful leaders build communities — not silos — through collaboration, mentorship and lifting others as they grow.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Young professional retention and leadership development. Central Iowa’s continued growth depends on creating stronger mentorship pipelines, career pathways and community connection so emerging leaders can build long-term roots here.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I studied abroad on four different continents during college.
Hobbies: Reading, Peloton workouts, hosting friends and family.
What is one word that best describes you?
Benevolent.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Aposto — the mussels.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Becoming a first-time mom — the ultimate learning curve.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Walking the trails at Jester Park.
What is your go-to snack?
Popcorn and dark chocolate.