Lutgen Gardner joins The Gazette’s editorial board

Editor’s note: Quinn Pettifer, a longtime member of our editorial board, is pursuing a new role at Kirkwood Community College. Becky Lutgen Gardner will be joining the editorial board, bringing her vast understanding of community issues and journalism experience to our panel, which shapes Gazette editorials. The other members of the board are Executive Editor Zack Kucharski and Insights Editor Todd Dorman.

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After more than 24 years in Eastern Iowa—most of them spent leading media organizations— I’m honored to return to The Gazette’s Editorial Board. I first served in this role from 2009 to 2012, and I’m thrilled to rejoin the conversations that shape our community.

Throughout my career in journalism and media, I’ve been guided by a simple principle: ask thoughtful questions, tell meaningful stories, and help bring truth to light—even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve explored a wide range of topics over the years, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to our editorial discussions.

An editorial doesn’t just offer opinions—it sparks dialogue, challenges assumptions and encourages readers to get involved. Whether that means attending a public meeting, sitting on a nonprofit board or volunteering for a cause, editorials can inspire action. I’ve seen firsthand the role advocacy plays in building stronger communities.

I’m also a mother to a young adult with special needs—an experience that has profoundly shaped how I see the world. It’s taught me that what’s fair isn’t always what’s equal, and that empathy and awareness are essential in both policy and storytelling. Local journalism has the power to amplify voices that are too often overlooked, and I take that responsibility seriously.

This community has proven its strength repeatedly. From the floods of 2008 and the flood scare in 2016, to the challenges of a pandemic and the 2020 derecho, Eastern Iowans have responded with resilience and heart. That same strength continues to shine through our schools, nonprofits and local institutions.

One of my favorite parts of serving on the editorial board is hearing directly from readers, our local and state legislators, schools, nonprofits and businesses. Journalism is not a one-way conversation, it’s a dialogue. I look forward to listening, learning and contributing to the exchange of ideas that helps our community grow stronger.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to the conversations ahead.

Becky Lutgen Gardner is The Gazette’s digital content manager and a member of the editorial board.