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IowaFRW salutes ’24-’25 President Michelle Crawford
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 2025) – Delegates to the Iowa Federation of Republican Women’s Biennial Convention, Oct. 17-18, elected Denise Bubeck of Polk County to serve as IowaFRW President for the 2026-2027 biennium. Current President Michelle Crawford of Scott County, issued the oath of office to Bubeck and four newly elected officers, who will take office on Jan. 1, 2026.The new officers-elect, including elective office, city, current position and club are:

Denise Bubeck, President, Grimes, president of Capitol Region Republican Women, IowaFRW 2^nd VP

Terri Steinke, 1st Vice President, Des Moines, Capitol Region Republican Women

Addie Lavis, 2nd Vice President, Cedar Rapids, Five Seasons Republican Women

Barbara Hatinger, Treasurer, Cedar Falls, president of Black Hawk County Republican Women

Heather Boustead, Secretary, Urbandale, Capitol Region Republican Women

Michelle Crawford, Immediate Past President, Scott County Republican Women

“This is our time to grow, lead, and strengthen the foundation of faith, family, and freedom that defines who we are as Republican women,” Bubeck said. “Together, we will continue to make an impact — and together, we will keep the flame of freedom shining bright.”
Republican Women members from across Iowa gathered at The Stine Barn in West Des Moines for their biennial convention to conduct Federation business, elect new officers, and host, for the first time, all five GOP candidates for governor. Prior to the convention, the federation hosted an evening of “Girl Talk” with Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer, both long-time IowaFRW members.
“Republican Women are dedicated volunteers who get things done. It has been a rewarding experience to be entrusted to lead this 85-year-old organization,” said Crawford, in reflecting on her 2024-2025 term, during which time Iowa was integral to President Donald J. Trump’s historic win for the presidency. “The past two years have been a whirlwind! There is no political off-season when you live in the ‘First in the Nation’ caucus state. We hit the ground running last January and haven’t stopped to catch our breath,” Crawford added.

“I am grateful to have worked alongside incredible women who understand teamwork and are committed to our mission.” Crawford credited Carol Crain and Gloria Mazza as her mentors, thanking them for encouraging her and leading by example. Crain passed away in 2024 and Mazza in 2025.
“Our successes wouldn’t be possible without the support and enthusiasm of our 600 members across the state. I look forward to seeing what this incoming executive team does. IowaFRW is in exceptional hands with the new officers and I am excited to support Denise and her team every step of the way,” Crawford said.
In accepting her new role, Bubeck paid also tribute to former IowaFRW President Mazza.“I am blessed to have been mentored by one of the very best. Gloria’s example reminds us every day that leadership is not about position, but about purpose — lifting others up and inspiring them to lead with integrity and heart.”
“I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve as president of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women. I feel truly blessed to join with these women of vision, strength, and faith, as we continue the important work of strengthening our communities and supporting one another,” Bubeck added. “I want to sincerely thank Michelle Crawford for her incredible leadership, as well as all the presidents who have come before me, whose dedication and vision have paved the way for our continued success.”
The Iowa Federation of Republican Women, founded in Tama County in 1939, unites the voices and values within the Republican Party. The IowaFRW (www.iowafrw.org), with local clubs and members throughout the state, proudly represents the party that first made it possible for women to vote in the United States, and works to increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. IowaFRW members volunteer more than 100,000 hours annually to fulfill our mission of electing Republican candidates, promoting the principles of the Republican Party, educating the public, and informing the media. IowaFRW is a member organization of the National Federation of Republican Women, the largest grassroots Republican women’s organization in the country, founded in 1938.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lori Leonard Reyman, Spokesperson lori@iowafrw.org