Colleen R. MacRae

Attorney, shareholder
Nyemaster Goode PC

Age: 35

Partner: Charlie Wittmack

Children: Charlie and Colleen have a daughter together, Aoife Marie (7 months), and two sons, James (12) and Jack (8)

Mentor: Michael Dayton, shareholder and executive committee 

Why she’s a Forty: Colleen was one of only five real estate attorneys in the United States to serve a two-year fellowship in the Real Property, Trust & Estate Section of the American Bar Association (2019-20). She is a shareholder and vice chair of the corporate department at Nyemaster law firm in Des Moines. She currently serves as an executive officer to the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, where she helps champion over 2,000 club kids across seven club sites in Des Moines. Colleen is committed to community development and serves as tri-chair of the Capital Core for Capital Crossroads, and served on the city of Des Moines Urban Design Review Board and the East Village Neighborhood Association in various leadership capacities.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

The legal world is growing increasingly, and at times frustratingly, complex. My clients are led by individuals who are committed to achieving big things. This environment doesn’t allow for error. My work follows three guideposts: pursuit of perfection and attention to detail; a commitment to simplifying complex things; and bridge-building. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

I am a strong believer in the maxim that community is more than belonging, it is about doing something with others that makes belonging matter. When we emerge from the other side of this pandemic, it’s going to require an enormous collective effort to make sure the challenges exposed during this pandemic (e.g., equity, education, health care, child care) are not ignored. My goal is to keep listening, learning, connecting and acting to make my belonging in this community matter. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

I’m passionate about finding ways for small things to create big impacts -- whether it’s the placement of a wayfinding sign in a neighborhood, the expansion of a nonprofit program to serve a few more children in need, or incremental steps toward a previously thought-to-be-impossible goal.

What is it that drives you? 

I’m driven to continue the legacies of the leaders that came before us. Des Moines is an incredible community with a foundation grounded by a group of visionaries and idealists. I’m ready to join with others to carry their torch -- through community, business and philanthropy.

What are your future aspirations? 

My law firm recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The clients we work with are innovators in ways our predecessors could not have imagined. My hope is to continue to grow my legal practice that is rooted in the fundamentals but with branches that reach beyond the limits I see today.

Three hobbies: Licensed sailboat captain, podcast enthusiast, crafting perfect gifts.

Fun fact: Colleen was a nominated civilian attendee of the Army War College National Security Seminar in 2016.

ONE word: Enigmatic.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

Let’s prioritize workforce housing. The housing market in our region is thriving for some workers, but not for all. Private and public partnerships are required to achieve a mix of housing that matches the mix of jobs in our region.