This page is dedicated to recognizing excellence in Iowa’s aging network. Thank you for your great service to older Iowans, individuals with disabilities, caregivers/care partners and your communities.
Donna K. Harvey Legacy Award
The Donna K. Harvey Legacy Award, established in 2021, annually recognizes an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff member whose work has left a legacy through a dedication to excellence through community collaboration and leadership. Awardees must have worked at least three years for an AAA and has established a long-term impact on their community through their work.
The award is named for one of the aging network’s greatest advocates and leaders, Donna K. Harvey. Donna joined the aging network after serving as the director of the Regional Transit Commission, as assistant director for Adults Incorporated, and as an administrative officer at the Iowa Department of Transportation. Donna was named the executive director at Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging in 1987 and served in that role before being appointed as director for the Iowa Department on Aging in 2011. Donna returned as an Area Agency on Aging leader in 2016 after being named CEO of Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) until her retirement at the end of 2020. Beyond these roles, Donna served as president, vice president, and past president of USAging (formerly the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging) and as president and past president of the Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Donna served as a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging and on numerous national committees that addressed the needs of older Americans. Donna served on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, the National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination Steering Committee, and the National Eldercare Locator Advisory Committee. As an advocate for older adults, Donna testified for the U.S. Select Committee on Aging, the U.S. Senate Appropriates Committee for Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
The aging network and the individuals and communities served through Donna’s work will leave a long-term benefit. Donna’s work has left a legacy. On behalf of the i4a board of directors we are grateful for Donna’s legacy and to honor those in our network who are also leaving their legacy of excellence in their communities.
Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging 