Rhonda Wood Smith Award

Wednesday, April 12, 2023


Background

The Iowa League of Cities created the Rhonda Wood Smith Award to recognize exemplary work of young city officials and those new to city government. The intent of the award is to encourage and affirm participation in local government by young people who may make greater sacrifice for public service due to significant career and family commitments. Rhonda Wood Smith was such a civic-minded young person. A single parent, working as a municipal consultant with Simmering-Cory, Inc., Smith was elected mayor of Garner in November 1993 and served in that capacity until January 1, 1997, when she resigned due to poor health. She died January 15, 1997, of cancer.

Eligibility

Elected city officials, age 40 or younger, or serving as a city official for the first time are eligible for the award. Appointed officials, age 40 or younger, or just entering public service, will also be considered.

Criteria

Innovation. The degree to which the individual demonstrates originality in approach or application in solving a community problem. This could be utilization of technology or application of theory and practice in a novel way.

Bold leadership. The degree to which the individual demonstrates leadership in overcoming obstacles and taking risks in order to better the community.

Commitment. The degree to which the individual demonstrates commitment to the community and the state.

Sacrifice. The degree to which the individual gives time and talent to better the community.

Selection

The League Awards Committee will nominate an individual for the Rhonda Wood Smith Award. The nomination
is submitted to the League Executive Board for ratification.

Rhonda Wood Smith Award Winners

Congratulations to all of our award winners.

2023RecipientDescription
2023Adam KofoedCity Administrator in West Branch
2023Ashley VanornyCouncil Member in Cedar Rapids
2022RecipientDescription
2022Christina EicherCouncil Member in Bennett
2021RecipientDescription
2021Holly BergCouncil Member in Ottumwa
2020RecipientDescription
2020Jamie Letzring Deputy city manager, West Des Moines
2019RecipientDescription
2019Jessica Kinser City Administrator in Marshalltown
2017RecipientDescription
2017Brad Magg City Council Member in Colfax
2016RecipientDescription
2016Dawn Rohe Manning City Administrator
2015RecipientDescription
2015Quentin Hart Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem in Waterloo
2014RecipientDescription
2014Laura Schaefer City Clerk in Carroll
2013RecipientDescription
2013 Corey Goodenow City Manager of Chariton
2013RecipientDescription
2013 Adam Schweers Mayor of Carroll
2012RecipientDescription
2012 Eric Bookmeyer Mayor of Mason City
2010RecipientDescription
2010 Clint Fichter City Manager in Avoca
2009RecipientDescription
2009 Ellen Habel Assistant City Administrator in Coralville
2008RecipientDescription
2008Jeff Beauregard Mayor in Palo
2008RecipientDescription
2008Candi Schmieder Council Member in Marengo
2006RecipientDescription
2006 Ryan Heiar City Administrator in Eagle Grove
2005RecipientDescription
2005Charles “Chaz” Allen Mayor of Newton
2004RecipientDescription
2004Karen Forneris Council member in Sioux City
2003RecipientDescription
2003Matt Brick Council member is Windsor Heights
2002RecipientDescription
2002 Hector Velez Council member in Storm Lake
2001RecipientDescription
2001 Ed Smith Mayor of Carroll
1999RecipientDescription
1999 Dennis Woodruff Mayor of Carlisle
1998RecipientDescription
1998 Paul Smith Mayor of Gilbert
1997RecipientDescription
1997Family of Rhonda Wood SmithPresented to Rhonda’s parents

IOWA League