Three of the youngest elected officials in Mills County helped kick off the Iowa Leadership Exchange this week in Pella, Iowa. The conference, organized by the Iowa Rural Development Council, is designed to nurture the next generation of community leaders across the state.
Young officials take the stage
Mills County Supervisor Jack Sayers—elected at age 18—joined Henderson Mayor Eva Fipps and Silver City Mayor Joseph Jaworski as panelists for the opening discussion. All three are in their early 20s and spoke about the responsibilities and opportunities that come with serving their hometowns at such a young age.
“There’s a lot at stake for young people,” Sayers said during the session. He emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives in local government and encouraged other young residents to consider public service.
Record‑breaking ages
Jaworski was elected mayor of Silver City at 21, citing Sayers as an early inspiration for his own run for office. Fipps, elected mayor of Henderson in November 2025 at age 20, may be the youngest serving mayor in the United States. Her election highlights a growing trend of younger citizens stepping into leadership roles in rural Iowa.
These milestones reflect a broader shift toward youth involvement in local governance, a theme echoed throughout the conference’s sessions. Attendees heard from state officials, business owners, and nonprofit leaders about how to build effective, values‑centered communities.
Why the conference matters
The Iowa Leadership Exchange aims to provide practical tools—such as strategic planning, community outreach, and fiscal stewardship—to officials who are shaping the future of their towns. Organizers noted that strong, faith‑grounded families and individual liberty are core values that drive many of the participants.
“Investing in our young leaders is an investment in the health of our neighborhoods,” said a council spokesperson. “When families see their children taking active roles in civic life, it reinforces the fabric of community that makes Iowa strong.”
Local impact
For Mills County residents, the presence of Sayers, Fipps and Jaworski at the conference underscores the county’s commitment to nurturing home‑grown talent. Their involvement is expected to inspire more young people in the area to run for office, volunteer, and engage in community projects.
As the conference continues over the next two days, additional panels will focus on economic development, agricultural sustainability, and preserving the cultural heritage of Iowa’s small towns.
The Iowa Rural Development Council plans to make the Leadership Exchange an annual event, hoping to create a lasting network of young leaders who can collaborate on solutions that honor faith, family and liberty.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
