Rock Valley Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo has been honored as the 2025 Mayor of the Year in the 2,000–10,000 population category by the Iowa Mayors Association.
The award was presented Wednesday, September 17, during the association’s business meeting at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit in Des Moines. The Mayor of the Year Award recognizes exceptional public service to local communities, the Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa Mayors Association, and municipal government. Honors are given in three population groups: under 2,000; 2,000–10,000; and over 10,000. This year’s other recipients were Mayor Przychodzin of Massena and Mayor Cavanagh of Dubuque.
Mayor Van Otterloo was nominated for his steadfast leadership during Rock Valley’s most devastating natural disaster—the June 2024 flood. His response far exceeded the expectations of his office, exemplifying true public service and servant leadership in a time of crisis.
His commitment did not end when the floodwaters receded. Van Otterloo quickly turned to long-term recovery: launching comprehensive recovery efforts, advocating for state and federal aid, and steering the city through FEMA assistance, infrastructure repairs, and hazard-mitigation planning. He emphasized that recovery would be measured not just in rebuilt structures but in restored lives—a pledge he continues to uphold by ensuring every affected resident receives support.
