(Atlantic, IA) – Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) in Atlantic, are asking for nominations from the public, of persons who are worthy of the Rohn Kohn Servant Leadership Award. The nominee should be someone who provides great civic leadership but goes unrecognized.
The award recognizes a public servant (an elected official, government employee, or an appointed member of a government board or commission) that has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional leadership, mentoring, and other contributions to a local city or county (from within Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, or Shelby County).
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.
This is the 2nd year for the award that will be given 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. The Inaugural winner was Glenwood Police Chief Eric Johansen. Chief Johansen received the award during SWIPCO’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Meeting on September 25, 2025, in Atlantic. He was nominated by Glenwood realtor and former Mills County Chamber Director Jennie Davis and Ron’s widow Joanne Kohn presented him with the award.
If you would like to nominate someone for the award, please complete the simple form located on the SWIPCO website www.swipco.org. The nomination deadline is August 25, 2026. All nominees will be recognized, and the winner will be presented with the award at the SWIPCO Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Nominators will be encouraged to attend and help present the award winner as well.
Questions can be directed to SWIPCO Communications Coordinator Chris Parks at chris.parks@swipco.org or 712-243-4196 ext. 228.
SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
