Michael L. Fitzgerald

2024 Hall of Fame Inductee

A native Iowan, Michael L. Fitzgerald worked as a marketing analyst for Massey Ferguson in Des Moines for eight years before being elected state treasurer in 1982. Upon taking office in 1983, Fitzgerald had no idea that he was beginning a legacy that would last 40 years, leaving him the longest-serving state treasurer in United States history.
 
From the beginning of his tenure, he focused on integrity and fiscal responsibility and prioritized returning unclaimed property, a premise that was in its infancy. Fitzgerald was a consensus builder and worked hand-in-hand with peers from both sides of the political aisle to bring prominence to the idea of returning property to its rightful owners. When 529 was just a number, Fitzgerald not only started the plan in Iowa, but became a leading advocate for the permanency of the tax benefits of such plans. When ABLE plans were introduced, Iowa was one of the first states to pass enabling legislation. And again, he became part of the national effort advocating for the new program.
 
Fitzgerald is a leader among peers, having served as president of NASACT, the National Association of State Treasurers, and the National Association of State Unclaimed Property Administrators. Years after his presidency in NASACT, he continued to serve on the Executive Committee as a vital link and voice to represent the state treasurer community in NASACT’s activities.
 
In his 40-year tenure as Iowa’s state treasurer, Fitzgerald helped Iowan’s grow their savings, returned millions of dollars of unclaimed property, distributed billions in qualified education expenses through 529 plans, and earned billions in interest on Iowa’s idle funds.
 
In 1989, he was recognized by City and State Magazine as one of the most valuable public officials working in state government. He is a two-time recipient of the NASACT President’s Award, and has received both of NAST’s highest honors, the Jesse M. Unruh Award and the Harlan Boyles/Edward T. Alter Distinguished Service Award.
 
Fitzgerald has dedicated his career to public service, and he has focused his vision, tenacity and quiet integrity upon improving the lives of citizens in the State of Iowa and around the nation.