County Employees Recognized for Outstanding Service in Third Quarter

Q3 employee recognition winners with Board of Supervisors

Posted November 3, 2026
Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations

Pottawattamie County recognized eight employees during the November 3 Board of Supervisors meeting as recipients of the county's Employee Recognition Awards for the third quarter of 2026.

The eight recipients were selected from a strong pool of 18 nominations representing employees across 10 county departments. Nominations came from fellow county employees, department heads, and citizens who wanted to recognize county employees for exceptional service and contributions.

The county's Employee Recognition Program is built around five pillars that reflect how employees engage with citizens and one another:

Service and Accountability
Ethics and Integrity
Job Knowledge and Skill
Professionalism
Self-Management

Members of the FORGE committee highlighted the nominations received during the quarter and thanked the county's 2025 annual award winners, who are helping select the 2026 quarterly recipients.

Committee members also encouraged employees and citizens to continue recognizing good work when they see it, noting that the success of the program depends on nominations from those who experience the work of county employees firsthand.

All quarterly recipients are eligible for the county's annual Employee Recognition Awards, which will be announced in early 2027.

Service and Accountability: Abbie Ashcraft, Western Iowa Services Collaborative Disability Access Point

Abbie Ashcraft, a Disability Services Navigator with the Western Iowa Services Collaborative Disability Access Point, was nominated by a client for the exceptional level of care and support she provided while helping their family navigate services and resources.

The client praised Abbie for simplifying complicated processes, connecting the family with helpful resources, and providing peace of mind through her ongoing advocacy. The client expressed appreciation for having someone they could count on to help navigate a wide range of agencies and appointments.

Abbie's follow-through, dedication, and commitment to helping those she serves exemplify the county's Service and Accountability pillar.

Ethics and Integrity: Sgt. Jim Doty, Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Jim Doty of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office was recognized by a citizen for the compassion and kindness he demonstrated while assisting her son during a concert this fall.

When the boy experienced a severe nosebleed during the concert, Sgt. Doty stepped in to gather supplies, help him get cleaned up, and reassure him so he could stay and enjoy the rest of the show by one of his favorite bands.

The boy's mother later contacted the county through social media to express her appreciation and also shared a video publicly praising the Sheriff's Office for the kindness shown to her son.

His compassion and willingness to go above and beyond to help a young concertgoer demonstrate the Ethics and Integrity recognized by the program.

Job Knowledge and Skill: Kelly Fischer, Auditor's Office

Kelly Fischer, Payroll & Benefits Manager, was nominated by a fellow county employee for her knowledge, responsiveness, and dedication to helping resolve a benefits issue.

Kelly thoroughly researched a situation and developed a plan to address the issue. The employee also praised Kelly for the positive impact she has made in her department, particularly in making Payroll and Benefits more accessible and approachable through efficient, personable communication.

Kelly's expertise, commitment to improving processes, and willingness to assist fellow employees reflect the county's Job Knowledge and Skill pillar.

Professionalism: Shawna Hedegaard, Secondary Roads

Shawna Hedegaard, Secondary Roads Office Manager, was recognized by a county department head for her initiative and teamwork in helping coordinate a required countywide AI Awareness Training in August.

Shawna organized nearly the entire Secondary Roads Department to participate in the training together through a remote viewing session in the department's training room. Her efforts made it easier for employees to complete the required training and helped streamline the process for the county.

Her initiative, reliability, and willingness to coordinate efforts that benefit both her department and the county demonstrate the Professionalism recognized by the program.

Self-Management: Rikayla Champlin, Felica Luczek, Kathie Kallas and Veronica Burson, Wellness Committee

Four county employees were jointly recognized for their initiative in organizing a summer hygiene drive to benefit students in the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Rikayla Champlin, Senior Jail Administrative Assistant
Felica Luczek, Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Investigator/Coordinator
Kathie Kallas, Deputy Recorder
Veronica Burson, 911 Communications Office Manager

All four employees serve on the county's Wellness Committee and are members of the subcommittee responsible for organizing the annual warm clothing drive.

After identifying a need for additional hygiene products in local schools, the group took the initiative to organize a new collection effort. They repurposed existing donation bins used for the winter clothing drive, reached out to local retailers, and coordinated the county's first summer hygiene drive.

Their efforts resulted in the collection of more than 800 hygiene items to be distributed directly to students in need.

Their willingness to identify a community need, take initiative, and independently develop a successful new program exemplifies the county's Self-Management pillar.

Pottawattamie County encourages employees and residents to recognize outstanding county employees through the Employee Recognition Program. Nominations are accepted year-round, with award recipients selected quarterly.

To learn more about the program or submit a nomination, visit the Pottawattamie County Employee Recognition Program webpage.