The Iowa Democratic Party held a Regional Hall of Fame event on Nov. 1, 2025, in Holstein. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart and other state officials were on hand to recognize the efforts of activists, volunteers and leaders from Ida, Sac and Woodbury Counties. Three Woodbury County individuals were recognized.
Catelin became a "political hobbyist" in 2016. By 2022, she began making a concerted effort to call her elected representatives. She created the advocacy group Moms for Iowa in 2023. From there, her advocacy took a sharp upward turn that led her to become a transformative Chair of WCD’s Communications Committee, a role in which she used her marketing expertise to revamp the county party’s website and hone our messaging. By summer of 2025, Catelin was the Democratic Party’s nominee for State Senator in District 1, and by mid-September she was officially sworn in as Senator Drey.
“Catelin was a gem from the start,” said WCD Vice Chair Penny Rosfjord. “She’s a great communicator and I am a huge fan of her county-wide ‘cowboy card’ that included a QR code. It changed door knocking so much for the better.
“She has an impressive ability to lead, and is also a wonderful canvasser,” Penny continued. “Every time she meets people and has a conversation with them I know that she leaves that person with with a lot to think about or that she has them signed up to early vote or that they are coming in to volunteer. I love that she got her start with Woodbury Dems. She is a leader for our future.”
Catelin tends to point the spotlight away from herself and toward others. On winning the award she noted, “Being a Rising Star just means that there is a long list of folks behind me helping to propel me forward. The organizing effort of my Woodbury Dems is the number one reason that I am a State Senator. I am humbled and encouraged to keep showing up to do this very important work.”
Kenny Kroll was recognized for his hard work and dedication to the Democratic Party, which has not gone unnoticed at the state and regional levels. Kenny wears many hats within the county party, acting as chair of the Data and Tech committee as well as Treasurer.
Penny commented, “Kenny is a rare person that understands the importance of the structure and party world. He always speaks his truth and is always looking for new ways to involve others. He is a leader now and will be a leader for the future for our party here and state wide.”
Kenny also works in a number of district and state-level roles, where he represents Northwest Iowa Democrats, in addition to working tirelessly on everything from food prep to door-knocking, ensuring local candidates and initiatives find success.
Kim Mathers is someone who shows what it really looks like to turn experience in her life into real community impact. After years in corporate America working communications with Terra Industries and CF Industries, and later as a self-employed communications consultant, she retired. Soon, she became horrified by the political climate of the country, which pushed her to get involved locally.
“Kim has brought so much change to the Woodbury Dems and has demonstrated an impeccable ability to effortlessly lead the communications team,” said Esha Gardoud, DEI Committee Co-Chair. “Watching her step into the Communications Committee and quickly take on the Chair role made it clear she was not just filling a position, but strengthening the committee structure. Her work helped create an effective, inclusive and accessible platform to expand the bridge of access between the community and county party’s initiatives to better serve the community, which is something not many leaders can achieve so smoothly.”
Others who work with Kim share their thankfulness for her dedication. Ryan Akerberg, WCD Chair, remarked, “Kim has an unbelievable motor. Her drive for change is unparalleled within our organization which makes her an unbelievable asset to the leadership and future of the Woodbury County Democrats.”
He pointed out that her support across committees keeps everyone aligned and motivated.
Jackie Stellish, Fundraising Committee Chair added, “I can honestly say the Fundraising Committee would not be able to do what we do without her.”
Her ability to balance leadership with genuine care for others makes her presence crucial. Observing her impact, it is clear that Kim leads with consistency and purpose, and invests her heart into this movement. She reminds community members that meaningful change is not always loud or flashy, but intentional, and built on showing up when it matters the most.