Barb Runneberg Named Iowa State Fair Iowan of the Day

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DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2025) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Barb Runneberg of Algona as a 2025 Iowa State Fair Iowan of the Day.

Barb holds the position of Quality and Performance Excellence Director at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. In 2020, she received the Iowa Healthcare Quality Rising Star Professional Award. Her dedication to caring for others is further evidenced by the many supplemental certifications she has earned within the healthcare field.

Barb's devotion to her community extends beyond her work in healthcare. In 2019, she began volunteering as a member of the Algona Police Reserves. When the Reserve Unit struggled to recover from challenges instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barb stepped up to serve as President. As she continues to serve in this capacity today, she leads the "Cops for Kids" program, which partners area youth with Algona Police Department officers for a day of holiday shopping.

In addition to these prominent roles in the community, Barb volunteers her time to serve with Rotary, Sharing Active Independent Lives and her church. Her empathetic and solution-oriented approach to helping others continues to inspire community members near and far.

Barb's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 9, at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. She will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 12:00 PM. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Barb will receive Iowa State Fair admission tickets, Grandstand Concert tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking and a cash prize.

The Iowan of the Day program was founded by the Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference in their communities. From nearly one hundred nominations, the Iowan of the Day committee selected ten Iowans who demonstrate exceptional integrity, hard work and dedication to their communities.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $210 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.