Jessica Kinser receives Rhonda Wood Smith Award

Marshalltown City Administrator Jessica Kinser was awarded the Rhonda Wood Smith award as an outstanding young city official from the Iowa League of Cities. Kinser was recognized for her achievements during the awards banquet at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit in Dubuque on September 26, 2019.

Jessica began work at the City of Clinton in October of 2011 when she was hired as Finance Director. She served in that position until June 2013. From January through June 2013, she also acted in the dual capacities of Interim City Administrator and Finance Director. Jessica was hired as the City Administrator in Clinton in June of 2013.

Kinser was brought in to Marshalltown in November 2016 because of her sophisticated understanding of municipal finance, her people skills, and her energy in community development. Recently, Jessica expertly navigated a large natural disaster when a pair of EF-3 tornadoes with wind speeds that reached 144 mph swept through Pella and Marshalltown.

Marshalltown suffered the most widespread damage. The tornado coursed through downtown, toppling part of the historic Marshall County Courthouse. Jessica proved her mettle in working with community organizations and FEMA in managing the reconstruction for the City.

The Rhonda Wood Smith Award was created to recognize exemplary work of young city officials and those new to city government. The criteria included innovation, bold leadership, commitment and sacrifice. The award was named for Rhonda Wood Smith, a single parent who served as mayor of Garner while working as a municipal consultant. She succumbed to cancer early in 1997 after establishing an outstanding reputation as a civic minded person committed to her community. The intent of the award is to encourage and affirm participation in local government by young people who may make greater sacrifice for public service due to significant career and family commitments.

Congratulations to Jessica Kinser for her work as Marshalltown’s City Administrator and for receiving the Rhonda Wood Smith Award as an outstanding young city official.

Past award recipients include:
1997       The Family of Rhonda Wood Smith
1998       Paul Smith, Mayor of Gilbert
1999       Dennis Woodruff, Mayor of Carlisle
2001       Ed Smith, Mayor of Carroll
2002       Hector Velez, City Council, Storm Lake
2003       Matt Brick, City Council, Windsor Heights
2004       Karen Forneris, City Council, Sioux City
2005       Charles “Chaz” Allen, Mayor of Newton
2006       Ryan Heiar, City Administrator, Eagle Grove
2008       Candi Schmieder, City Council, Marengo
2008       Jeff Beauregard, Mayor of Palo
2009       Ellen Habel, Assistant City Administrator, Coralville
2010       Clint Fichter, City Manager, Avoca
2012       Eric Bookmeyer, Mayor of Mason City
2013       Adam Schweers, Mayor of Carroll
2013       Corey Goodenow, City Manager, Chariton
2014       Laura Schaefer, City Clerk, Carroll
2015       Quentin Hart, City Council and Mayor Pro Tem of Waterloo
2016       Dawn Rohe, City Manager, Manning
2017       Brad Magg, City Council, Colfax
2019       Jessica Kinser, City Administrator, Marshalltown