Leadership Through Service: Myron Linn Named 2026 Leadership for Iowa Award Recipient

For nearly four decades, Leadership Iowa has helped cultivate leaders committed to strengthening communities, industries, and opportunities across the state. In
2026, one of those leaders will be recognized for a lifetime of service and impact.

Leadership Iowa and the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) have named Myron Linn the recipient of the 2026 Leadership for Iowa Award, honoring his decades of leadership in business, workforce development, military service, and civic engagement.

A graduate of the 1988-89 Leadership Iowa class, Linn exemplifies the qualities the award was created to celebrate: servant leadership, a commitment to Iowa, and a dedication to improving the lives of others.

“Leadership Iowa is the state’s premier issues-awareness program created to promote leadership and civic responsibility in our state,” said ABI President Nicole Crain. “The program has graduated thousands of Iowans committed to moving the state forward. Myron Linn exemplifies the mission and values of the program through his servant leadership, civic involvement, and lifelong dedication to improving opportunities for Iowans.”

Throughout his professional career, Linn helped shape Iowa’s workforce and business landscape. He spent more than 25 years with Pella Corporation, serving in leadership and government relations roles where he worked on workforce and public policy initiatives that supported both employers and employees. His commitment to workforce development continued in public service when he joined Iowa Workforce Development as deputy director, helping address workforce challenges affecting communities across the state.

Linn’s leadership extends well beyond the workplace. He dedicated nearly 30 years of service to the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Since 1995, he has served as Iowa State Director for the U.S. Selective Service System, continuing his commitment to public service and civic responsibility.

His impact can also be seen throughout Iowa’s civic and nonprofit communities. Linn has served as chair of both ABI and the Iowa Taxpayers Association, contributed to local education through service on the Pella Community School Board, and volunteered with numerous organizations focused on strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for future generations.

Perhaps one of Linn’s most visible contributions has taken place on Iowa’s athletic fields. For more than 40 years, he has officiated Iowa high school athletics and spent 29 years officiating NCAA football. His dedication to the profession earned him induction into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in 2019.

The Leadership for Iowa Award recognizes Leadership Iowa alumni who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving the state, leading through challenging issues, and enhancing quality of life for Iowans. Recipients are selected based on their leadership roles in professional and volunteer capacities andtheir contributions to leadership development at the local or statewide level.

Linn’s career reflects each of those qualities. Whether advancing workforce solutions, serving his country, leading civic organizations, or mentoring future leaders, he has consistently focused on making Iowa stronger.

He was formally recognized during ABI’s 2026 Taking Care of Business Conference, where business and community leaders from across the state gathered to discuss leadership, workforce development, public policy, and Iowa’s economic future.

For Leadership Iowa graduates, Linn’s recognition serves as a reminder that leadership is not defined by a single role or accomplishment, but by a lifetime commitment to serving others and creating lasting impact. ABI