Nevada Mayor Brett Barker was presented the Rhonda Wood Smith Award by the Iowa League of Cities during the Awards Banquet at its Annual Conference & Exhibit in Sioux City.
The Rhonda Wood Smith Award was created to recognize the exemplary work of young city officials and those new to city government. Award criteria include 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.
Barker was elected Mayor in 2017, and has been actively involved in groups such as Main Street Nevada, the Nevada Economic Development Council, and the Nevada Community Band.
While serving Nevada, Barker tirelessly worked toward strengthening the city through economic and community development, Main Street revitalization, and improving quality-of-life opportunities. He has consistently committed his time and energy to speaking up for the needs of cities like Nevada at the State Legislature, helping found the Nevada Foundation, and leading his city to recover from the 2020 derecho.
Congratulations, Brett Barker!
