The University of Iowa College of Public Health recently honored four Iowa public health leaders whose work is helping to promote better health, prevent disease, and build stronger communities throughout the state.

The 2026 Iowa Public Health Heroes Awards were presented to Berselynna Butler, community health worker, small business owner and public health advocate in Buena Vista County; Maggie Ferguson, disability and injury prevention programs project director with Iowa Health and Human Services; Zuli Garcia, founder and chief executive director of Knock and Drop Iowa in Des Moines; and Kevin Grieme, director of the Siouxland District Health Department.

The award recipients were honored Wednesday, April 8, during a reception and awards ceremony at the Public Health Conference of Iowa in Des Moines.

Since 2012, the College of Public Health’s Iowa Public Health Heroes Award program has recognized exceptional efforts by individuals from diverse career paths whose work improves health and wellness throughout Iowa. Award recipients are nominated by their peers in the Iowa public health practice community.

“The health of all Iowans is enhanced through the leadership and service of so many dedicated professionals working in the public health sector,” says Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health. “We are proud to honor these four individuals and to recognize their outstanding work in the communities they serve.”

About the Recipients

Berselynna Butler is a certified community health worker and trusted health advocate serving Buena Vista County and rural northwest Iowa. In her role, she has supported hundreds of residents through direct assistance, weekly walk‑in hours, and by founding a biweekly diabetes support group that has grown to more than 40 participants. She strengthens local public health capacity by mentoring new community health workers and collaborating with the University of Iowa to develop culturally informed health education resources.

Ms. Butler has also led several innovative initiatives, including the “Island Smiles” pediatric oral health program and Storm Lake’s annual International Women’s Day festival, which blends cultural celebration with community health outreach. Beyond her public health work, she is a small business owner, medical interpreter, and founder of the Pohnpeian and Pacific Islander Alliance. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on health access and equity across northwest Iowa.

Maggie Ferguson serves as the disability and injury prevention programs project director with Iowa Health and Human Services, where she provides statewide leadership on disability inclusion, injury prevention, and program quality. With 25 years of experience, she is widely recognized for her expertise in brain injury, accessibility, and evidence‑based prevention practices. She has led major state initiatives, including the development of Iowa’s concussion management guidelines and improvements to the statewide brain injury registry.

Her recent work includes guiding a CDC‑supported effort to strengthen community–clinical partnerships for older adult falls prevention. Ms. Ferguson also contributes nationally through her leadership with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and advises numerous Iowa committees focused on brain injury and injury prevention. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to disability‑inclusive public health and improved outcomes for Iowans with complex needs.

Zuli Garcia is the founder and chief executive director of Knock and Drop Iowa, a Des Moines‑based nonprofit that has become a vital resource for Latino communities across the state. Since launching the organization in 2020, she has grown it from a grassroots effort into a large‑scale initiative serving hundreds of families each week with culturally specific food assistance in a welcoming, language‑accessible environment.

Under Ms. Garcia’s leadership, Knock and Drop Iowa has expanded to include health education, vaccine clinics, and partnerships with healthcare providers, reflecting a holistic approach to community well‑being. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Equity in Immunization Award from the National Conference of Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships. A local leader and advocate, she continues to advance health equity and strengthen public health infrastructure for diverse communities in Iowa.

Kevin Grieme serves as director of the Siouxland District Health Department, where he applies a systems‑focused approach shaped by his background in education and community planning. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has advanced key public health initiatives in northwest Iowa and strengthened the region’s capacity through partnerships, workforce development efforts, and agency‑wide quality improvement.

Mr. Grieme has played influential roles through the Iowa Public Health Association—including as President—leading initiatives such as the AmeriCorps HealthCorps program and statewide advocacy efforts. He has also been a long‑standing leader within the Iowa Counties Public Health Association and guided his agency through successful PHAB accreditation. A committed mentor, he invests in developing future public health leaders and advancing health equity initiatives that benefit communities across Iowa.