Pingel is originally from Farnhamville and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, but found her way to Fort Dodge when she accepted a job at Fort Dodge Family Credit Union. She has been the manager there for 23 years and counting.

“Even through the credit union we look for opportunities on how we can help enrich the lives of others,” said Pingel, who enriches far more lives than those who bank with the credit union. .

There is a large amount of her work and service that involves helping children in the Fort Dodge community. Within the Fort Dodge Noon Kiwanis, she is leader of the K Kids Club. The group learns about the many organizations in the community and what their needs are. Together the group looks for ways in which they can help those organizations.

“Helping kids grow and succeed is at the heart of everything we do as a Kiwanian,” said Pingel, who also added, “Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at noon in Pizza Ranch. I encourage others to come check it out and see how they can make a difference.”

Her work with children does not end as a Kiwanian, though. Pingel serves on the Advisory Committee for Dodger Academy, an after school program for elementary students in the Fort Dodge Community School District. She became involved in the program, previously called BLAST, when her children attended Butler Elementary School. She has been on the Dodger Academy committee for around 12 years.

Her children were also involved in 4-H, a program that engages and develops youths. Pingel assisted in many of her children’s 4-H projects throughout their years involved in the activity. This helped introduce her to the many community service opportunities that the city has and sparked her interest for helping her city. It also helped introduce community service into her children’s lives.

Pingel shows a great amount of leadership within the business and financial community. Not only has she been managing the credit union for more than two decades, she is also treasurer of the Heartland SHRM Chapter, a newly formed chapter for those working in the human resources profession within the Fort Dodge area. She is also the State SHRM Council Treasurer.

“Finding time for hobbies is something that doesn’t usually happen at this point in my life,” said Pingel, “but maybe someday…”

When speaking of the pride she has in the city, she said, “Fort Dodge has so many good people within the community that want to make a difference. The outlook is to make this community even better for our children and grandchildren.”