DES MOINES – The Coalition for Family and Children’s Services in Iowa announced Senator Amanda Ragan as one of the 2013-2014 recipients of the Champions for Children’s Awards. Senator Ragan was recognized on March 5, 2014, during the Champions for Children Awards Reception in Des Moines, IA.
The Champions for Children Awards are presented each year to honor legislators who have been advocates for Iowa’s children and families. Because children do not have a voice, it is critical that we honor legislators and other key decision makers who act as voices for our children and champion services and supports for them.
Senator Ragan is an Assistant Senate Majority Leader, chair of the Human Resources Committee and vice-chair of the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee.
“We honor Senator Ragan because through her work that she does every day, Amanda exemplifies the Coalition’s mission, to influence and shape policy and practice for the betterment of Iowa children and families and the organizations that serve them,” said Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition. “It is so important that we recognize the individuals who improve the lives of children and families in need.”
Senator Ragan is active in her local area with community service that includes State of Iowa Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) Board of Directors; member of Mason City Chamber of Commerce; Hampton Chamber of Commerce; Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce; Mason City Sunrise Rotary; Francis Lauer Youth Services Board of Directors; member of Trinity Lutheran Church; former member of the Buena Vista University Alumni Foundation; and past member of Northern Lights Homeless Shelter Board.
Amanda is Executive Director of two non-profit agencies, The Community Kitchen of North Iowa and Mason City Meals on Wheels. Amanda received her A.A. Degree from North Iowa Area Community College. She graduated cum laude from Buena Vista University with a B.A. in Human Services.
Amanda is married to Jim Ragan, a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel. She has two grown children, Edith and Charles, and four grandchildren.
