CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Gerry Neugent is the Co-Chairman of Knapp Properties, LC, and Co-Manager and Director of William C. Knapp, LC. His strong background in real estate law gives him a solid foundation for the management and development of the firm.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in 1973 and his Juris Doctorate from Drake University in 1976, Gerry joined the Des Moines law firm of Wimer, Hudson, Flynn & Neugent. There for 13 years, he practiced primarily in real estate and title matters. In 1989, he joined another Des Moines firm – Belin, Harris, Lamson, McCormick – as a partner and real estate expert. He was designated in The Best Lawyers in America, 1993-94 edition. In 1993, Gerry assumed the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of Knapp Properties, Inc. In 2014, Gerry was named President and CEO. In 2018, Gerry was named Co-Chairman and CEO.
In addition to his executive duties at Knapp Properties, Gerry enjoys participating in many community, civic and professional activities. He currently serves as a Director of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, President of the IEC Hotel Corp., Member of the Catholic Foundation of SW Iowa and member of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Community Foundation. He is past Chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, President of the Des Moines Community Playhouse, the Des Moines Public Library Foundation, the West Des Moines Community Enrichment Foundation and has served on many other city and community boards. Gerry served as Co-Chair of the 2012 Heart Walk and Co-Chair of the 2013 ALS Walk. Gerry was named the South Des Moines Citizen of the Year in 2000 and 2003 Outstanding Alumnus of Drake University Law School. He was named the inaugural Great Western Bank Commercial Real Estate Professional of the Year.