The Tippie College of Business is proud to announce Nick Hentges (BBA81) as the 2026 Tippie Alum of the Year and JD Klopfenstein (BBA18) as the 2026 Tippie Young Alum of the Year.
Tippie Alum of the Year – Nick Hentges
Nick Hentges is Chief Executive Officer of Captive Resources, a leading firm specializing in the development and management of member-owned group captive insurance companies. As CEO, he focuses on the company’s long-term strategic direction and has led a period of remarkable growth across both casualty and medical stop-loss group captive programs.
A proud University of Iowa alumnus, Nick earned his BBA in Finance and Insurance from Tippie. Throughout his career, he has been a dedicated advocate for the captive insurance industry and higher education, playing a key role in supporting the continued growth of Tippie’s Risk Management and Insurance program, including the establishment of the Hentges Family RMI Faculty Fellowship. The fellowship supports faculty excellence and strengthens one of the nation’s leading risk management and insurance programs.
Beyond his contributions to Tippie, Nick has helped educate corporations on the value of pooling resources and reducing insurance costs through member-owned group captive insurance companies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Captive Insurance Companies Association and served as Chairman from 2023–2024.
One nominator described Nick as a leader whose “commitment to advancing the industry while investing in the next generation of leaders reflects the very best of the Tippie community.”
Tippie Young Alum of the Year – JD Klopfenstein (BBA18)
JD Klopfenstein is the Managing Partner and Financial Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management, affiliated with Principal Financial Network and Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa. Since launching his practice, Klopfenstein and his team of eight have grown to serve more than 1,200 households across 28 states, overseeing $250 million in assets under management. His practice specializes in holistic financial and retirement planning services for business owners, medical professionals, and families.
A finance graduate of the Tippie College of Business, JD has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Tippie students, alumni engagement, and professional mentorship since graduation. He has served on the Tippie Young Alumni Board since 2022. Currently, he serves as executive chair, helping strengthen connections between recent graduates and the college while generously giving back his time and expertise. Through his wealth management firm, he creates internship and part-time opportunities for Tippie students, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for careers.
Beyond his service to Tippie, JD is actively involved in the community. He has served on the Tanager Place Associates Board and the Hawkeye Area Council Finance Committee and continues to give back as a peer mentor for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
As one nominator shared, “JD represents the spirit of Tippie alumni leadership — driven, accomplished, and committed to lifting others as he advances in his career.”
Tippie’s Alum of the Year and Young Alum of the Year awards were established in 2014. View a list of previous award recipients here.