The Iowa Rural Development Council, a statewide nonprofit focused on small-town and rural vitality, awarded the 2025 Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards at its recent Iowa Rural Summit. The summit brought together leaders from small towns across Iowa. The awards recognize nominees in rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts and utilities. Honorees are nominated by the community and the final selection is made by a screening committee.
The 2025 recipients are:
- Rob Denson, Des Moines Area Community College president
- Main Street West Branch
- Ashley Moyer, Van Buren County Hospital, Keosauqua
- Origin Homes
- Bonnie and Theo Ramsey, Ramsey’s Market, Lenox
“These honorees each brought a unique set of contributions to their community, county, region or the entire state,” Mark Reinig, Iowa Rural Development Council board president, said in a prepared statement. “Each demonstrates in their own way how leaders can make a huge difference for a rural community.”