(Atlantic, Iowa) – SWIPCO (the Southwest Iowa Planning Council), based in Atlantic, is seeking nominations for persons who provide great civic leadership but who would otherwise go unrecognized. You’re asked to nominate persons for the inaugural Ron Kohn Leadership Award presented by SWIPCO, which is celebrating 50 years of service to Southwest Iowa this year, and officials says, is excited to debut the Ron Kohn Leadership Award. The award recognizes a public servant that has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional leadership, mentoring, and other contributions to a local city, county, or service entity fFrom within SWIPCO’s service area, which includes Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, or Shelby Counties.

The recognition is being given in honor of the late Ron Kohn, former SWIPCO Policy Council Member, Mills County Supervisor, and Mayor of Glenwood. Ron was a shining example of community leadership from his time in office to his time as an educator in the Glenwood School District. Ron’s passion for teaching extended well past his time in education. He worked to make sure others interested in local government had someone to lean on as they learned their way. The award will go annually to a local leader that carries the same passion for the region that Ron had. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and the advancement of public service in Southwest Iowa.

If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please complete the simple form located on the SWIPCO website www.swipco.org. The nomination deadline is August 25, 2025. All nominees will be recognized, and the winner will be presented with the award at the SWIPCO 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. Nominators will be encouraged to attend and help present the award winner as well.

SWIPCO thanks you for your support in its effort to recognize talented local leaders, and they look forward to honoring Ron Kohn’s legacy with this award presentation. SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.