Jane Halliburton has been selected to receive the Carrie Chapman Catt award for 2012. Jane was president of the Ames League of Women Voters from 1980 to 1982.
During that time, the League updated and printed the booklet “This is Ames and Story County” and provided much information regarding the call for a constitutional convention, which was on the ballet in 1980. The local League worked hard, but unsuccessfully, for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). It also studied city facilities, in particular the electric utility and the location of city offices that were spread out all over town, and studied leaking underground storage tanks.
During Jane's tenure the board began giving old LWV files to the ISU special collections department in the Parks Library. She has been an active member throughout her long membership.
She is a former elementary teacher and until recently, was a Story County Supervisor, completing 24 years of service in January, 2011. She also was the Chair of the Story County Board of Health, the president of the Iowa State Association of Counties Board of Directors, and on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties Board of Directors and on FEMA's National Advisory Council.
Jane has also been a community volunteer for a long list of agencies. Among them are the Community Vitality Center Governance Board, Raising Readers Board of Directors, Heartland Senior Services Foundation Board, Story County Community Dental Clinic Advisory Committee, Rotary International, and Iowa State University Families Extension Outreach Advisory Committee.
The award selection committee talked to some of those who have worked with Jane on community projects.
From Carolyn Jons, Vice President of Raising Readers in Story County: “Jane is a big thinker with the big picture. She is a detailed person and critical friend. She knows her stuff in terms of policy and governance. She has special passion for all children's well being and literacy. Her background with early childhood education is helpful.
She is probably better dressed than most of us. She always looks professional. She has a passion for improving the whole county.”
From Liz Beck, Director of Heartland Senior Services: ”Jane Halliburton has served on the Heartland Senior Services Agency Board. She is now serving on the Heartland Foundation Board. Jane is an excellent addition to the Board, because Heartland serves all of Story County. Jane brings her expertise of Story county communities and Ames to the Board.”
From John Klaus, President of the Board of Directors of Heartland Senior Services: ”Jane is a mainstay of Ames, looking after public interest in social services and human service. She is a good analytical person and a great resource for Heartland Senior Services. She is a leader and a teacher. She takes the time to learn, then passes on what she learns to others. She is very deserving after all of her years of service. She connects all of the streams that make living in our community great. She works with it and does a great job!”
From Janelle Durlin, Story County Health Resource Director: ”For years, Jane Halliburton has been an active member of the Mid Iowa Community Action Dental Clinic Policy Council. Her thorough understanding of the State of Iowa Public Health Policy, and her eagerness to share her expertise with Council members, have simplified decision making. Her strong leadership and compassion toward low income fami lies has positively impacted the sustainability of the Dental Clinic."
