Leadership Institute
Kent Britten Memorial Leadership Award

2007 Kent Britten Leadership Award
Jim Ford

The Kent Britten Leadership Award was presented to Jim Ford of Indianola on April 19, 2007. The award was given during the graduation ceremony for the 2007 Class of the Warren County Leadership Institute. Jim Ford was honored for the excellent qualities of leadership that he has displayed while serving Warren County. A donation was made in Mr. Ford's name to the Warren County Historical Society.

Jim Meadows, in his nomination of Jim Ford for the Kent Britten Leadership Award, wrote that Ford has always been recognized as an avid booster and supporter of Indianola and all of Warren County. “Jim is probably best known for his 47 years as the venerable voice of the Indianola football team. Rather than recognition or money, Jim's desire to be of service to his community has been his motivating factor over the years. Honesty and integrity are two of his most significant attributes.”

Jim Ford has been a lifelong resident of Indianola. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1949. After serving in the air force, Jim enrolled at Iowa State University where he earned a degree in Technical Journalism, which led to his decision to go into broadcasting. He was employed at KDSI and Hy-Vee, and was later co-owner of the Ford Real Estate Co. According to Meadows' nomination, Jim's contributions to Indianola and Warren County “will be remembered for many years to come. He is well deserving of the 2007 Leadership Award”.