Pottawattamie County Honors Annual Employee Recognition Award Recipients
Posted March 4, 2026
Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations
Pottawattamie County proudly recognized outstanding employees during the annual Employee Recognition Awards presentation at the Board of Supervisors meeting earlier this week, celebrating individuals who exemplify the county’s core pillars: Service and Accountability, Ethics and Integrity, Self-Management, Professionalism, and Job Knowledge and Skill.
These employees were nominated by citizens, colleagues, and supervisors for going above and beyond in service to residents, coworkers, and the broader community.
Service and Accountability
Service and Accountability is defined by customer service, responsiveness, follow-through, and timeliness. Employees recognized in this category consistently lead by example, treat citizens with respect, and help residents navigate county processes with care and accuracy.
Scott Mefferd was recognized for his exceptional commitment to customer service and his consistent willingness to go the extra mile for residents.
One nominator shared that Scott helped their 87-year-old mother obtain the necessary death and marriage certificates to pursue Irish citizenship — a lifelong goal that meant a great deal to her.
Others noted his patience, friendliness, and professionalism — including assisting a resident who arrived just one minute before closing time to obtain death certificate copies.
Scott’s dedication to service is also reflected internally among his colleagues. Recorder Andrew Moats noted Scott’s willingness to step up whenever the office needs support.
“I thought I was going to have to pull teeth to get people to attend our traveling office hours,” Moats said. “But Scott immediately volunteered and said he would go to all of them.”
Moats added that Scott’s attitude exemplifies what makes both the Recorder’s Office and Pottawattamie County a great place to serve residents.
Scott’s calm demeanor, responsiveness, and dedication ensure residents receive reliable and timely assistance when they need it most.
Ethics and Integrity
Ethics and Integrity is defined by kindness, honesty, reliability, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Recipients in this category demonstrate strong moral character, compassion, and professionalism.
On one of the hottest days this fall, Sgt. Ryan Olderog was observed assisting an elderly gentleman leaving the courthouse. He patiently helped the man onto the lift, escorted him safely to his car, ensured he was comfortable in the heat, and even applied his new vehicle registration sticker to his license plate.
These thoughtful acts of kindness reflect Sgt. Olderog’s deep commitment to service and to the values upheld by Pottawattamie County.
Sheriff Andy Brown noted that this type of service reflects the way Sgt. Olderog approaches his work every day.
“I’m not surprised Sgt. Olderog is standing here today,” Brown said. “He goes above and beyond every day he works for this office.”
Brown added that Olderog has long been known for helping people in practical ways, whether assisting motorists on the roadside or supporting citizens in need.
His compassion and attentiveness serve as a powerful reminder that small moments of care can make a lasting difference.
Self-Management
Self-Management is defined by independence, initiative, composure, time management, and the ability to step up when needed.
Rebekah Adair was recognized for her months of diligent work coordinating the inaugural Veteran Resource Festival. She brought together more than 20 federal, state, and local organizations to connect veterans and their families with valuable services and benefits.
The event created opportunities for face-to-face engagement that many veterans might not otherwise have experienced. Attendees praised the event, with one sharing, “A buddy called me this morning and told me I had to come down here because I had no idea I could get a free lifetime America the Beautiful Pass.”
The festival included family-friendly activities such as service dogs, a therapy horse, face painting, and food — transforming it from a traditional service fair into a welcoming community event.
Veterans Service Office Director Peggy Becker praised Adair’s organization and dedication in helping the office better serve local veterans.
“They could not have given this award to a more organized or time-managed person,” Becker said. “Your work ethic and commitment to every task are phenomenal.”
Becker also thanked Adair for sharing her experience and insight to improve programs that support veterans and their families.
Rebekah’s initiative and ability to execute a first-time event without historical data or precedent demonstrate strong personal accountability and leadership.
Professionalism
Professionalism is demonstrated by carrying out company values, business acumen, teamwork, initiative, reliability, and serving as a strong public face for the organization.
Kate Gerber was recognized for her outstanding work as Public Relations Manager and for representing the county with clarity, professionalism, and dedication.
Gerber has built strong relationships across departments and consistently provides updates to both employees and the public. Her appearances on local media outlets, including the Pottawattamie County Routes podcast and local radio and TV stations have helped inform residents about county initiatives, including recent town hall meetings and community engagement efforts.
County CFO Mitch Kay highlighted Gerber’s proactive approach to strengthening public engagement and transparency.
“Kate consistently represents Pottawattamie County with integrity and energy,” Kay said. “This is meaningful public service.”
Kay also noted Gerber’s role in establishing partnerships with the Pottawattamie County Routes podcast, which provides a platform for county departments to share their work with the community.
Nominations described her presentations as “professional, clear, and engaging,” noting that her work helps make county information both accessible and informative for the public.
Job Knowledge and Skill
Job Knowledge and Skill is exemplified by technical expertise, process improvement, clear communication, and a willingness to help others.
Kristen Bracker was recognized as a trusted legal resource and collaborative partner across departments. Colleagues shared that she provides thoughtful guidance on complex legal questions ranging from media messaging and public communications to contracts and board-related matters.
County Attorney Matt Wilber said Bracker’s work in the civil division requires a wide range of legal expertise and thoughtful communication.
“The variety of issues that come through the civil side requires both skill and knowledge,” Wilber said. “I’m very blessed to have Kristen in the office and I hope she stays for many, many years.”
Wilber added that Bracker’s ability to guide colleagues through complex issues makes her an invaluable resource to the county.
One nomination described her as “an absolute ray of sunshine,” noting that while legal questions can be challenging, Kristen consistently delivers professional guidance with positivity and approachability.
Her mastery of her role and her commitment to supporting coworkers help strengthen the organization as a whole.
First Annual Pottawattamie County Ignite Award
The Ignite Award honors an employee who exceeds the pillars and goes far beyond their regular job duties — someone who brings passion to their work, inspires others, and makes the county a better place to live, work, and play.
Rikayla Champlin was selected as the first-ever recipient of this award for her leadership of the Shop with the Sheriff program.
After the program lost one of its largest funding sources in 2023, Rikayla took initiative to research creative solutions to bridge the funding gap. She helped launch the first annual Christmas in July campaign, raising $7,368.93, and secured additional funding sources to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Jail Administrator Trish Bernhards said Champlin’s leadership and initiative have had a lasting impact both within the Sheriff’s Office and in the broader community.
“Rikayla has been a standout since my first day at the jail four years ago,” Bernhards said. “High performers like her are rare, and her impact is undeniable.”
Bernhards said Champlin consistently exceeds expectations and brings creativity, consistency, and dedication to every task she takes on.
Her dedication, creativity, and contagious passion have helped preserve a program that serves children in need throughout Pottawattamie County.
Powered by Public Service
The annual Employee Recognition Awards serve as a reminder that county government is powered by dedicated public servants who show up every day with professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to the community.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients, and thank you to all Pottawattamie County employees who continue to uphold the county’s pillars in service to residents. If you have witnessed service in action, we encourage you to recognize a county employee by visiting https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov/employee_recognition/