The 2009 Carrie Chapman Catt Award selection committee is pleased to announce that Martha lsaacson is this year's recipient. Martha was chosen for her varied contributions to the League and the community.
Among her many accomplishments, Martha guided the Ames League of Women Voters during the Story County Hospital Study and its resulting advocacy, giving outstanding leadership and guidance.
Martha is not only a long standing member of the League but was raised by a mother who spent her life as a community activist for the benefit of all citizens, which included the LWV in Marshalltown.
Jane Greimann recruited her to join the Ames LWV when she married Dean Isaacson, but, as the Marshall County Auditor, Martha maintained her legal residence in Marshalltown. She joined in 1995 after her term as Auditor.
Martha began her professional career as a systems analyst in the "Silicone Valley" of California. She later served as an administrator in the "War on Poverty," running Head Start programs and a Community Action Agency in Virginia; Martha then directed Iowa Gov. Robert Ray's Drug Abuse Authority. She has owned and operated a small gourmet kitchen shop, managed the Agronomy Department
at Iowa State University and been a successful candidate for Marshall County Auditor.
During her work years and while raising children, she was involved in community betterment, including marching on the Washington D.C. Mall for equal rights.
Martha has also served as president of the local community mental health center, as a board member for the United Way, and is currently the chair of the Clothing Room, which provides free clothing to the approximately 400 families per month visiting the food pantry at her church.
Her many involvements with the LWV include: Representing the Ames LWV on the "Add Women" (ERA) campaign for the State of Iowa in 1981; serving as Treasurer for the 5 member state-wide Add-Women-Board. We succeeded in adding Women to the Iowa Constitution.
Martha Served as President of the Ames LWV from 1998-2000, Voter Services Chair from 2000-2002, Board Secretary and Story County Hospital Board Observer from 2003 to 2005.
Congratulations Martha and thank you for all that you do!
