Building on a Foundation of Financial Strength

Oct 28, 2025

At the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, we believe strong communities start with a strong foundation and investing in our people, systems and potential. For the last 24 years, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Karla Jones has helped build a strong foundation. Under her financial and tactical leadership, the organization has grown dramatically – from a small Community Foundation with big dreams to stewarding more than $1 billion in assets under administration. 

With deep appreciation and admiration for her remarkable contributions to the Community Foundation, we are proud to celebrate Karla as she takes the next exciting step in her career. Effective November 4, Karla will transition from her role with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to accept a new, expanded leadership position in the community foundation field. She will be relocating to the Phoenix area to continue her professional impact as the Chief Financial Officer with the Arizona Community Foundation. 

We congratulate and wish Karla future success, and we celebrate all she has accomplished over her tenure. Top highlights include:

  • Development and construction of the Community Foundation’s Campus and C3 Center
  • Imagined and developed financial infrastructure and operational systems for instrumental philanthropic programs, including:
    • Affiliate program that supports 46 counties and communities
    • Endow Iowa Tax Credit program
    • Charitable Investment Partner (CIP) program
    • ImpactDSM – an impact investing program 
  • Built the Community Foundation’s operations, systems and policies to support significant growth

"The deep and lasting impact of Karla’s innovation and leadership will continue to have ripple effects across our organization and the community for years to come. It has been such an honor to serve alongside her, collaborating to find solutions and make a meaningful difference. She embodies the Better Together spirit and I look forward to seeing her continue to share that value in the community foundation field."

- Kristi Knous, President

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The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is proud to announce the promotion of Kris Pete-Swanson to Chief Financial Officer. Kris was most recently the Senior Vice President of Finance and has served the organization for more than 17 years. Kris will assume the role effective November 1, and succeeds Karla Jones as she departs to pursue continued leadership within the community foundation field.

"I am thrilled to elevate Kris to Chief Financial Officer. She is perfectly positioned to lead our financial operations into the future and her commitment and dedication to our organization and our fund holders will continue to serve us well."

- Kristi Knous, President

Throughout her distinguished tenure, Kris has been instrumental in building out the Finance department and has overseen finance, accounting and investment operations while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, transparency and integrity. Under her leadership, the Community Foundation has realized clean audits, overseen accurate fund administration and provided for strong financial stewardship. 

As Chief Financial Officer, Kris will provide strategic oversight for more than $1 billion in philanthropic assets held across nearly 2,700 donor funds in Greater Des Moines and across a 46 county and community affiliates network. In this role, she will continue to ensure the Community Foundation’s financial stability and alignment with its mission and operational priorities that enable lasting community impact. Kris will also serve as a key member of the executive team and will work closely with the Audit, Finance and Investment Committees to advance strategic vision and long-term sustainability. 

Please join us in congratulating Kris.