Linda Cook

Leadership & Community Involvement

Linda is deeply committed to community leadership and philanthropic impact. She is a passionate advocate for organizations including Strands of Strength and Healthy Birth Day, Inc., and she served as Chairwoman of the 2021 Changemakers Luncheon supporting global stillbirth prevention efforts.

She currently serves as Chair of the University of Northern Iowa Foundation Board of Trustees, helping guide the organization’s long-term mission and impact.

For more than three decades, Linda Cook has helped individuals, families and business owners navigate complex financial lives with clarity, confidence and purpose. As Founder and Managing Partner of Gilbert & Cook, she has built a nationally recognized wealth management firm grounded in genuine relationships, thoughtful strategy and a belief that true success means to Live a Life of Abundance®.

In 1993, Linda founded Gilbert & Cook with a clear and enduring vision: to create an independent firm that puts people first. Early in her career, she recognized that meaningful financial success is not driven by products, but by relationships. That insight became the foundation of the firm — shaping a client experience centered on deep listening, personalized planning and long-term partnership. In 1994, she earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to fiduciary excellence and disciplined advice.

Linda works closely with individuals, multi-generational families, and business owners navigating pivotal life transitions — from retirement and succession planning to legacy and estate strategies. She is widely respected for her steady leadership, long-term perspective and ability to guide clients through complex decisions with clarity and confidence.

What began as a one-woman mission has grown into a collaborative ensemble of advisors, analysts and planning specialists. Under Linda’s leadership, Gilbert & Cook has achieved consistent, disciplined growth while remaining deeply rooted in its client-first philosophy — demonstrating that it is possible to scale excellence without sacrificing relationships.

Linda’s philosophy — Live a Life of Abundance® — is more than a tagline. It is a mindset that challenges both clients and professionals to think bigger, plan more intentionally, and align their financial lives with what matters most.

Outside the office, Linda and her husband, Chris, enjoy traveling and embracing new experiences together. They frequently spend time in Minnesota and Texas with their daughters, Hal and Kamryn, and enjoy life’s everyday moments with their two dogs, Maizy and Rue.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, University of Northern Iowa

Professional Certification

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), 1994

Industry Awards & Recognitions

• Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State (2025, 2026)

• Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2025)

• InvestmentNews $100M Club – Top Female Advisors (2025, 2026)

Rankings and recognitions are based on criteria determined by the awarding organizations and are not indicative of future performance.

Forbes Rankings Disclosure:
The Forbes rankings were compiled by SHOOK Research LLC using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, including assets under management, revenue trends, compliance records, and industry experience. Neither Linda Cook nor Gilbert & Cook paid a fee to be included. These recognitions are not based on investment performance and may not be representative of any one client’s experience or indicative of future results.

The 2025 and 2026 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State award was provided by Forbes.  Gilbert and Cook did not compensate to be included in this ranking.  The 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors was provided by Forbes.  Gilbert and Cook did not compensate to be included in this ranking.  

InvestmentNews Disclosure:
The Forbes rankings were compiled by SHOOK Research LLC using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, including assets under management, revenue trends, compliance records, and industry experience. Neither Linda Cook nor Gilbert & Cook paid a fee to be included. These recognitions are not based on investment performance and may not be representative of any one client’s experience or indicative of future results.

The 2025 and 2026 Investment News $100M Club - Top Female Advisors award was provided by Investment News.  Gilbert and Cook did not compensate to be included in this ranking.

Phone: 515.270.6444

5058 Grand Ridge Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50265