(DES MOINES) – The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association in West Branch has awarded the annual Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award to State Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City and State Representative Dave Heaton of Mount Pleasant. The announcement and presentations took place at the Iowa State Capitol.
The award commemorates Iowa native Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States. The award honors those in state government who represent the values and unwavering commitment to public service as defined by President Herbert Hoover. His humanitarian efforts saved nearly a billion lives from the devastations of WWI and WWII.
In the Iowa Senate, Senator Ragan has worked to pass legislation to better the lives of children, the elderly, low income and disabled Iowans. She is respected on both sides of the aisle and works in a bipartisan, cooperative and collaborative manner.
Dr. Debra Derr, president of North Iowa Area Community College, made the following comments while nominating Senator Ragan for the award: “North Central Iowa is so fortunate to have Senator Ragan represent us. Her commitment to education and to our communities provides us with a strong and constant voice. She has supported community colleges and truly understands our mission. She ties what NIACC can do for its communities with economic and workforce development.”
Outside the Legislature, Sen. Ragan works as executive director of Meals on Wheels and of Community Kitchen of Northern Iowa. She is married to Jim Ragan and has two grown children and four grandchildren. She has served in the Iowa Senate since 2002.
Dave Heaton represents Henry County and the northern portion of Lee County. He has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since January 1995.
Rep. Heaton is a former public school teacher and served in the United States Army Reserve 872nd Ordinance Company. He and his wife, Carmen, are the parents of two grown children and have two grandchildren.
In his nomination of Rep. Heaton, former State Representative Jeff Kaufmann said, “Rep. David Heaton demonstrates on a daily basis that the true leader is the person who brings people together to overcome challenges. He is a leader who serves as an anchor for others wishing to grow, learn, and lead. Dave Heaton is a champion for those Iowans who are most vulnerable: children, citizens with mental health issues, the disabled, and the tens of thousands of Iowans receiving Medicaid services. He fights for them each and every day. He has never hesitated to debate and fight forces in either political party who stands in his way of trying to provide the best services the State can afford.”
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association is a non-profit organization that partners with the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and the Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch. Programs are funded entirely by private donations.
