Central College has named Hilary Rowe as its new director of marketing and communications.
Rowe, who has served as Central’s annual giving manager since 2024, will continue part of that role while taking on leadership of the college’s marketing, communications and media relations efforts.
“I am delighted Hilary will be leading our team as the new director of marketing and communications,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “Hilary’s storied career and deep roots in the Pella community are tremendous assets that will enrich how we tell the Central story. She connects so well with donors, parents, students and community leaders and understands how to build partnerships, relationships and generate momentum. She is uniquely positioned to advance our mission with a servant-heart.”
Rowe has broad marketing experience, including leadership roles at Maytag Corporation, where she managed national accounts and brand strategy for both Maytag and Amana. She also held marketing roles at Tones Spices, worked in advertising on the McDonald’s account with KN Integer and in marketing, sales and tickets with the Chicago Bulls during the era of their championship run.
A Pella resident for more than 13 years, Rowe and her husband Davis, adjunct faculty, are parents to Braden, Cameron and Preston, Class of 2026. She has been an active volunteer in the Pella Community School District, where she led the high school’s Distinguished Service Program and served as a parent leader for multiple athletics teams. She also chaired the PTO and was an assistant coach with one of Pella’s Odyssey of the Mind teams.
