Leaderboard

Abi Reiland, Co-Chair

Abi Reiland is a commercial real estate leader and entrepreneur based in Central Iowa. She serves as President of SH Commercial, a division of the Sara Hopkins Real Estate Team, where she facilitates a seamless client journey through leasing, purchasing, selling, and other transactions across office, retail, and mixed-use properties. Known for her strategic approach and strong relationships, Abi helps businesses find spaces that truly support their growth.

Beyond real estate, she is the founder of Taking Up Space Iowa, a community focused on elevating women in business and leadership. A Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree, Leadership Iowa Class of 2025 participant, and board member with CREW Iowa, Abi is a connector at heart—passionate about people, community, and building opportunities that matter. Outside of work, she’s usually chasing the next travel adventure or cheering from the sidelines at her family’s sporting events.










Brooklynn Olesen

Brooklynn is a wife, mother, and registered nurse currently working as an operating room nurse in Des Moines. She is dedicated to caring for others both in her professional role and through causes close to her heart. This is her first year serving as a co-chair for a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event, a role that holds deep personal significance. Brooklynn was introduced to cystic fibrosis after her son, Leo, was diagnosed at just six days old. She is honored to support the Foundation’s mission and is dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds to advance research, care, and advocacy until CF stands for Cure Found.













Jaci Strube

Jaci Strube is an active leader in the cystic fibrosis community. As the mother to an 11-year-old with CF, she has made it her mission to help progress toward a cure. Jaci is a member of the CFF's Volunteer Leadership Council as well as the Financial Wellness Steering Committee. Jaci is also the Foundation's former National Advocacy Co-Chair, former Iowa Advocacy Chair, and was an Iowa Chapter Board Member for 9 years. Jaci's other volunteer work includes the Nebraska Childrens Medical Center CF Advisory Board, Blank Children's Hospital Family Advisory Board, and organizing meals for the Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines when she can.

Jaci spends her professional time as the Director of Workplace Benefits Advocacy at Principal Financial Group. She is a member of the National Association of Dental Plans Foundation Board and the California Association of Dental Plans Board. She has been recognized as Principal's Working Mother of the Year, an American Council of Life Insurer's Rising Leader, and is a Des Moines Business Record 40 Under 40 Honoree.




 

Brynna Dooley

Brynna is an Employee Benefits Broker Consultant. As Senior Vice President with Gallagher Benefit Services, she has over 20 years of experience designing innovative benefit programs to align with organizational goals.  A data-driven consultant, Brynna combines deep benefits expertise with advanced analytics to optimize cost and enhance employee well-being.  She holds the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation earned through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) and The Wharton School of Business.  She is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP).

Brynna is passionate about uplifting organizations across the charitable spectrum, and has strong beliefs in the power of generosity to support meaningful causes.  This combined with her personal connection to someone with cystic fibrosis has made her honored to serve as co-chair.


 

  Chrissy Brabandt

  Chrissy Brabandt is the Store Leader for the West Des Moines SCHEELS, an employee-owned business        with 34 stores located throughout 16 states across the US. During her 25year career with SCHEELS,              Chrissy has worked in 4 locations located in North Dakota and Montana before making Waukee, Iowa            her home. She shares her passion of giving back to her community by volunteering, donating and being a      member on boards throughout the Metro.

  Chrissy’s husband, Len, and their son, Riley, are frequently seen with her volunteering around our                      community. Some of their favorite events are the CF walk & The Unmasking the singer event for The              Salvation Army.

  Her passion for the CF Foundation comes from her Uncle, who lived with the disease for 59 years and             passed away last year.
 





   Bio coming soon!



















  Kara Christensen

  Kara Christensen is the Chief Recruiting Officer with Northwestern Mutual of Central Iowa and        works out of their West Des Moines location. She serves on her offices Executive Leadership                Team and is also involved with their RISE Council focused on Respect, Inclusion, Service and                  Equity and having a positive impact on the community.

  Kara is married to Rees, together they have four children. Logan, Karsyn, Connor and Mason.                Their week nights and weekends are often spent on some kind of field or court, cheering on their      kids at their sporting events, trying new restaurants or traveling to different vacation spots.