Nathan Hardisty
Vice president, public infrastructure business unit director, Shive-Hattery
Age: 38
Education: Iowa State University Bachelor of Science in civil engineering
Wife: Karen Hardisty
Children: Hannah Hardisty (10), Nora Hardisty (8)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I’ve been on the board of the Rotary Club of Waukee since 2019 in various roles including president. Today I co-lead the Waukee Palooza on the Rotary Club’s behalf.
As of January 2026 I serve on the board of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
In my role at Shive-Hattery as vice president and public infrastructure business unit director, I lead nearly 100 people in six states.
I’ve worked on numerous projects around the metro you’ve probably experienced including the RecPlex and Athene Pedestrian Bridge in West Des Moines, the I-80 interchange at Grand Prairie Parkway between Waukee and West Des Moines, the first roundabout in Waukee, the recent improvements on East Court Avenue in Des Moines, the public improvements which helped bring the Amazon fulfillment center to Bondurant and the first roundabouts in the city of Ames.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
As a kid in rural Iowa I learned how to work hard. I watched my grandparents’ farm and spent many days in the summer there “helping.” I watched my parents put my siblings and I through college with dad volunteering for any overtime shift he could get. More than anything I think knowing hard work pays off has led me to where I am today.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I’ve volunteered as a lector at church for over a decade. It wasn’t a strategic career move, it was simply helping fill a gap. However, I learned to speak confidently in front of large groups of people. Today I enjoy giving presentations or speaking to a crowd, a skill everyone could use.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I like to focus on what is right in front of me, believing that doing the best I can now will help me when future opportunities arise – even if I don’t know what those opportunities may be. Today my aspirations are to put the people I lead in the best position for them to be successful and grow professionally and personally.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Creating the highest-performing team of leaders possible. I lead leaders who are also leading others. It’s challenging to get a group of motivated, driven leaders to come together and work together on the business versus in the business amid their busy schedules.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Show up. It’s easy to skip the networking function or not raise your hand to volunteer. However, you create the best relationships when you routinely show up and are a person others can depend on to get things done.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I’d love to tell you I’ve got it all figured out, but I don’t. I do like to run and exercise, which is a great stress relief. I’m as prone as anyone to skipping a workout though when there are too many other things to take care of.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
“That’s the way we’ve always done it” is not a reason to continue. There is likely a good reason it’s always been done that way, and if it can be articulated so others understand why, that is great, please continue. However, if not, please don’t keep doing the same thing just because it’s always been that way.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Water quality. Safe drinking water is essential. A strong agriculture economy is a strong Iowa economy. Data centers are here to stay. These ideas don’t have to work in conflict. We must find a solution to our water quality situation in Iowa. It will take cooperation from public and private, urban and rural, technology and nature. There are easy wins out there we can take to get started now.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I once had a job for less than two hours. (I was injured, not fired. I never went back.)
Hobbies: Running, reading, coaching my daughter’s second-grade basketball team.
What is one word that best describes you?
Builder.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
My wife and I have recently enjoyed getting carryout poke bowls from Gluck Tea in West Des Moines.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
On a recent family trip to Disney World, a small bird flew directly into my face while we were walking through the park. Fortunately, I came away relatively unscathed.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
I’d love for everyone to attend the Waukee Palooza, June 6, 2026. (Sorry for the shameless plug of the event I help lead). The Iowa State Fair; I’ve been attending with family since I was a kid. Recently my wife, kids and I have been entering baked goods in ISF competitions. This year everyone earned blue ribbons except for me. Check out the Iowa PBS coverage of my wife’s winning cheesecake.
What is your go-to snack?
Oreos.