News : Susan (Ervin) Judkins Named 2025 Leadership for Iowa Award Recipient

Leadership Iowa, Iowa's premier issues-awareness program provided by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation, has named Susan Judkins from Clive, Iowa, as the recipient of its annual Leadership for Iowa Award. Susan will be honored on June 12 at ABI's Taking Care of Business Conference in Council Bluffs.

The daughter of Keith and Kathie Ervin, Susan grew up in Vinton and graduated from Washington High School as a member of the class of 1976.

Among several criteria, the award recognizes a distinguished alumnus of Leadership Iowa who demonstrates exceptional commitment to leadership on a community and statewide level. Susan's remarkable dedication to the state of Iowa and commitment to community betterment made her an ideal candidate. Upon graduating from the 1998-1999 Leadership Iowa class, Susan was selected as a Co-Chair of the 1999-2000 class and later became the Leadership Iowa Board Chair from 2004-2005.

Professionally, Susan serves as the Client Development Director for RDG Planning & Design in Des Moines, playing a key role in a variety of impactful projects. Her wide-ranging career includes leading economic and leadership development programs, and decades of contributions to local and state government including service as a member of the Indianola School Board, legislative efforts on behalf of the Rebuild Iowa Office, launching the Vision Iowa program, and time as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Iowa League of Cities. Susan is also an active member of the Clive City Council, a position she has held since 2013.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan is a passionate community volunteer. She has served in leadership capacities with organizations such as BRAVO Des Moines, the Iowa Wildlife Federation, the Polk County Homeless Coordinating Council, and numerous other nonprofit boards. Her ongoing civic involvement includes active membership in the Rotary Club of Des Moines, the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association, and Reach Out and Read Iowa.

Her involvement and contributions have not gone unnoticed as she has been honored with multiple awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Environmental Council, the Industry Impact Award from the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association, the Cecil Bolsinger Lifetime Service Award for significant achievements in Rotary, and the Governor's Volunteer Award. Leadership Iowa and the ABI Foundation are proud to add to this list, honoring Susan for her outstanding contributions and leadership.

Recipients of the Leadership for Iowa Award must show a demonstrated commitment to serve Iowa, have held a leadership role volunteering for civic or professional organizations, have demonstrated the ability to lead on difficult or controversial subjects, and be involved in projects designed to enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Honorees also must have held a professional or volunteer leadership position that contributes to local or statewide leadership development.

Leadership Iowa, a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation, is one of the state's most revered professional development opportunities. Leadership Iowa selects forty leaders annually to be immersed into communities across the state and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing Iowa.