Iowa Products 2020

IOWA PRODUCTS ISSUE 2020
“I am grateful to the IGIA Board of
Directors for the opportunity to serve
as president of the association. I am very
proud of the team we’ve assembled here
and the commitment of the entire staff
to continue building on the foundation of
excellence that has been forged over the
association’s 121-year history,” she says.
“I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of a
great team, led by a tremendous board
of directors and industry leaders.”
Finding satisfaction in
leading a team
From the time she played basketball in
high school to every position she has
held throughout her career, Michelle
has enjoyed being part of and leading a
team. This, she says, above all else is what
brings her satisfaction and enjoyment.
“The best part of my job is empowering
my team to do their best.”
Although she has hung up her jersey,
Michelle still loves sports. “Today, I mostly
take in sports from the sidelines instead
of playing them. I love watching my kids’
activities and cheering them on as they
compete,” she says.
Putting family first
Son, Kale, who just turned 14, is in eighth
grade. He enjoys hanging out with friends
and playing baseball and basketball,
but baseball is his favorite activity, and
Michelle’s family spends summers at the
baseball field, cheering him on. Daughter,
Reagan, who turns 12 in November, is in
sixth grade. Reagan’s passion is dance,
and she spends many hours each week at
the dance studio practicing as a member
of a competitive dance team.
Family always has been central to Michelle’s
life. “My mom is one of six girls so I grew up
spending a lot of time with a large extended
family. Every Sunday after church, aunts,
uncles, cousins would all go over to my
grandma’s for lunch. I valued the love
and support of family so much growing
up, I wanted my kids to have that same
experience so we spend a lot of time with
Meet the Hurd family (left to right): Michelle, Kale, Reagan and Matt.
“I’m extremely fortunate
to be a part of a great
team, led by a tremendous
board of directors and
industry leaders.”
family. I’m proud to say that Kale and
Reagan also cherish their time with family.”
Michelle’s dad, Gene, worked for Ballard
Community Schools and is retired. Her
mom, Tami, is a school nurse at Ballard
Middle School. Today, her brother Dylan
works at the Iowa Air National Guard
and her sister, Meghan, works for Pepsi.
Maintaining a thankful heart
Michelle says her parents have played a
key role in who she is today and what she
values in life. “My parents made a great
combination. Mom led her life and her
family with faith and love. It’s important
to me to try and carry that on to my kids.
My dad has always been someone to
push me and motivated me to do the
best I can in every part of my life. I talk
to both of my parents daily and am very
grateful to have them close and for the
love and support they provide my family.”
Michelle has been married for 16 years to
Matt Hurd, who is co-owner of Hanifen,
Inc., a towing and recovery company. They
attended the same high school but Matt is
six years older so they didn’t start dating
until after college. Matt and Michelle
share a love of sports and the outdoors.
“We are both huge Iowa Hawkeye fans.
We officially met while cheering on the
Hawkeyes at the Big Ten Men’s Basketball
tournament in Chicago.”
When she’s not working, Michelle likes
walking the family pets—Labradors, Nile,
9, and Rizzo, 4 months. She also enjoys
biking, boating, having a glass of wine
with friends, cheering on the Hawkeyes
and volunteering weekly at the church
food pantry.
“Relationships are extremely important
to me,” she says. “That’s why I try to make
sure that people feel appreciated and
understand what they mean to me. This
applies to my family, friends, teammates,
everyone.” IG
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