After 23 years of practicing law, Jill Hansen made a sudden career change and joined the legal department for West Bancorporation Inc. in 2004. Since then, her duties have shifted toward human resources, and this year she became head of the HR department. Now she is expanding her duties again, by taking the position of executive director of the West Bancorporation Foundation. She replaces Joyce Chapman, who was the first executive director when the foundation formed in 2004 and retired at the end of last year.

How did you end up at West Bancorporation?

I went to Northwestern University and then the University of Iowa law school. I clerked for the Iowa Supreme Court for a year. After that, I joined what’s now the BrownWinick law firm. Really, that was my only job until I came here. It was one of those things where you decide if you’re ever going to do something else, now’s the time, and it’s just been a breath of fresh air. I’m also president of the West Des Moines school board, so timing-wise it was perfect, because as I started to get more involved in the board, this position gave me more flexibility.

Has it seemed like a complete career change?

Practicing in a corporate form of law, clients would seek our advice on how to handle various situations that I am now confronted with trying to handle myself. I still do legal work for the bank, too.

What are you excited about in this role?

The opportunity to make a difference in some of these very worthwhile organizations. I focused on my career early on, like most people. I just made a conscious decision, as I think many people do, to be aware of the community and to give something back, and that was the impetus for the school board. I feel very fortunate to have found a position where I can do both.

Has there been one project in particular that the foundation is proud of?

We’re very proud of our United Way involvement. We were a pacesetter company this year.

What is it like taking over Chapman’s role?

Intimidating. One of the real attractions of coming to West Bank was the opportunity to work with her. She’s been the heart and soul of the organization. I wouldn’t presume that I can fill her shoes, but in this particular aspect, I will certainly do my best.

Do you see yourself being as active as she is in the community?

There’s an organization of people that head the corporate giving for their companies. I’ve already gone to one of those gatherings and that’s really useful to see how every corporation is doing corporate giving, what their priorities are. We talked a lot about how it’s important to coordinate to make sure not all the funding is going to one group.

Are a lot of Des Moines companies approaching giving through a foundation?

It has been my impression that the Des Moines community has always been very generous in their support. I think as it becomes obvious that there are more gaps, because groups that depended on individual sources of funding or government funding that aren’t there anymore, I think that’s really hitting people and they’re realizing they have to be a little more purposeful and strategic in how they approach their funding.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am always very involved with my kids’ activities. My oldest daughter is on her own in California. I have one who is a sophomore at Northwestern; I take every chance I can get to go to Evanston. I have a 14-year-old son who’s just getting started on the high school bit, so we’re being supportive for him. I try to keep some personal time as well. I’m in a book club and sing in the church choir.

Do you ever see yourself going back to practicing law?

I think this is where I’ll be. There are a lot of people in this city who have law degrees but don’t necessarily work at law firms. My husband has never practiced; he’s always been in the business world. It’s just really good preparation for how you approach things, and you can apply that in so many ways. Things have changed so much since I went to law school. When I went, it was unusual for a woman. People five years ahead of me really blazed the trail and made it very easy for people like me to have those opportunities, and you just hope you’ve done the same.