The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation has named Jacque Andrew of Jefferson as the recipient of its annual Leadership for Iowa Award. The award honors a distinguished alumnus of the organization’s Leadership Iowa program who exemplifies outstanding leadership in his/her respective community and for the State of Iowa. Jacque is a 1989-90 graduate of Leadership Iowa and will be presented with the award on June 16 at ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference in Dubuque.
Andrew is a native Iowan and true servant leader. Her career in communications spanned 35 years, principally in the field of healthcare, directing marketing efforts for Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson and as a county public health information officer. As the director of human resources, she also served as president of the Iowa Hospital Personnel Management Association.
A community champion, Andrew served as founding president of the Greene County Community Foundation and co-president of the Greene County Early Learning Center board during the planning and construction of a $2.2M childcare center. She lends leadership to many local initiatives including Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County, Why Not Us, a women’s investment group, her church, Master Gardeners, PEO and others. Service on statewide boards includes Iowa PBS Foundation, Iowa Women’s Foundation, Iowa 4-H Foundation, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the regional Arrowhead Area Education Agency (now Prairie Lakes AEA).
A Rotarian since 1990, Andrew recently chaired the Centennial Celebration of the club’s 100 years of service and positive impact in the community and around the world. Andrew has served as club president, Rotary District 6000 Governor, and general chair of the North Central Presidents-Elect Training Seminar which prepares incoming officers to lead their clubs. From raising funds for local and humanitarian projects and spearheading the resettlement of 17 Kosovar refugees, to serving on the RAG4Clubfoot board and volunteering in India, Mexico, and Guatemala – Andrew was more than deserving of the Rotary International Service Above Self award, the organization’s highest honor, one of only 75 selected in the world in 2019.
For her service to ISU Extension, Andrew was chosen for the Friend of ISU Extension statewide recognition and Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Locally, she received the Soroptimists Women Helping Women award, the Rotary Club Avenues of Service award, and the Above and Beyond the Call Award presented annually by the Jefferson Matters: Main Street and Chamber for dedication and commitment through service to the community.
Andrew is a Leadership Iowa 1989-90 graduate and chaired the 1992-93 Board of Governors. In 1995, she received the distinguished leadership award from the National Association for Community Leadership as co-chair of the 1994-95 Leadership Iowa class.
Andrew earned her bachelor of science in journalism from Iowa State University and her master of science in personnel services from Drake University. Jefferson is her home where she and her husband Jim raised three daughters. They enjoy frequent activities with their nine grandchildren.
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 undertake 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.
