Business Record names Kristi Knous the 2026 Women of Influence Alum of the Year
The Business Record has named Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines president Kristi Knous the 2026 Women of Influence Alum of the Year. The annual award was launched in 2024 to celebrate one of the past Women of Influence who has continued making an impact since being honored by the Business Record.
Knous was honored as a Woman of Influence in 2010. Business Publications Corp. Chair Connie Wimer launched the program to recognize women who were making a difference in the community but were seldom recognized. All those who’ve received the award in the past were invited to nominate fellow alumni.
Knous is the president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a position she has held since 2011 after working for the foundation for nine years. She helped grow the foundation into one of the largest community foundations in the nation, overseeing more than $1 billion in assets and over 2,700 charitable funds.
Suzanna de Baca nominated Knous for the award. “Her impact is measured in far more than dollars,” de Baca wrote. “Under her leadership, the Foundation has become an essential civic convener and trusted philanthropic partner, connecting donors with community needs. … Her professional accomplishments are exceptional, but it is the combination of vision, resilience and profound community impact that makes Kristi especially deserving of this recognition.”
Kristi will be honored in our upcoming Fearless Business Record special issue and at our Power of Fearless event on Oct. 22. Purchase your tickets for the event here.
