Member Spotlight: Annette Hacker
- Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m a western Iowa farm girl who has spent my adult life here in the Des Moines metro. My husband, Kevin, and I live in Pleasant Hill. We have two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and a granddaughter we adore. I earned a bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in public administration from Iowa State. - What drew you to public relations in the first place?
It was a way to blend (and build) my core strengths of writing/storytelling, problem-solving and connecting with stakeholders. I love a challenge, and this is a career with plenty of them. We get to be critical thinkers, make a difference and move the needle every day. It’s never boring. - What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
Part design and part destiny. I started as a reporter, worked in nonprofits (at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau – now Catch Des Moines), then spent about five years in agency life. Then I returned to my alma mater for 17 years – half my career – directing Iowa State University News Service. It was back to client work and consulting during COVID, which was ideal (even though that was an odd time for all of us). And in 2021 I joined Food Bank of Iowa, where I serve as vice president of communications. I’m blessed to have had such a wide variety of experiences and that I get to continue to work with and learn from amazing people every day. - How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
I attended PRSA as an occasional guest long before I joined. The programming has always been solid, and the meetings are attended by professionals I know and respect. So obviously I wanted to be part of that. I later helped plan OctoPRfest and served on the board. The networking and professional development opportunities PRSA provides are valuable at every career stage. - What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My dad was the wisest man I ever knew. He instilled in me the desire to be a lifelong learner and to recognize that everyone you meet knows something you don’t. He gave me the gift of curiosity and the joy of relationship building. Another great piece of advice came more than 20 years ago from someone I know through professional circles. In a pivotal moment, this person asked me, “What is your happiness worth?” So simple, yet so profound. We all face choices and have many factors to consider in making decisions, but happiness is a good place to start.
- What do you like to do in your free time?I love to travel, attend concerts and shows, and spend time with family and friends. It’s fun to cook and entertain when there’s time. My favorite pastime is spoiling our 16-month-old granddaughter, Eliza. She’s the best.
