Contact: Mundi McCarty
President & CEO
Office: 319-643-5327
MMcMarty@HooverPF.org
WEST BRANCH, IOWA (March 25, 2026) – State Representative Jennifer Konfrst and State Senator David Rowley recognized as the 2026 recipients of the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award by the Hoover Presidential Foundation. The Foundation created the annual award to be presented to one member of the Iowa House and Iowa Senate who demonstrates uncommon service to the people of Iowa above and beyond their legislative duties.
Representative Bobby Kaufmann announced the award recipient to members of the House at the opening of the day’s session. Representative Jennifer Konfrst was praised by her nominee; as the first woman to serve as Iowa House Democratic Minority Leader, she has modeled leadership for women, girls and all Iowans across the state.
Long before and throughout her service in the Iowa House, she has invested deeply in her community-serving in leadership roles with local school organizations, mentoring students through mock trial and debate, and shaping future leaders as a professor at Drake University. Her dedication to civic education, youth development, and accessible public dialogue reflects a belief that public service is not confined to casting votes at the Capitol but is rooted in strengthening institutions and empowering the next generation.
In the Iowa State Senate, Senator Amy Sinclair announced the award recipient to members of the Senate. Senator David Rowley, one nominee wrote, Dave has passed numerous legislations dedicated to building the rural economy, a priority he ran on. He took initiative to provide disaster relief to his district following the severe weather in 2024. He is dedicated not only to the betterment of his district, but the state of Iowa as a whole. He continues to fight for values dear to him and his constituents, working across the aisle and striving for prosperity. Outside of the chamber, he brings a love of life and music along with an uplifting dedication to the community.
President Hoover said in his 1948 to students at Wilmington College in an address that would be known as his “Uncommon Man” speech, “Let us remember that the great human advances have not been brought about by mediocre men and women. They were brought about by distinctly uncommon men and women with vital sparks of leadership.” This has served as the basis for recognition awarded by the Hoover Presidential Foundation.
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About the Foundation
The Hoover Presidential Foundation promotes and supports the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, National Historic Site, and other programs that enhance the understanding of Herbert Hoover as president and humanitarian.
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