Des Moines Area Community College’s longest-serving board president Joe Pugel has announced his retirement and resignation from the DMACC Board of Trustees. His last official day at the college will be June 16. Pugel joined the board in 1997 and he was elected chair each year since 2003. Under his guidance, DMACC has maintained the highest bond rating and the lowest property tax assessment of any community college in Iowa, which helped the college nearly double enrollment and continue to offer the most affordable tuition in Iowa. Pugel also started the President’s Council, a group of top business executives who advise and mentor on important issues affecting DMACC. “After 28 years of service, including 23 years as board president, my decision to retire was not made lightly,” Pugel said in a statement. “DMACC has been a significant part of my life, and I have cherished every moment spent working alongside so many dedicated individuals.”a