Dougal Nelson, the president and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) of the Heartland, is among five finalists for the national organization’s 2022 Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award.
The nomination of Mr. Nelson, who leads the Quad Cities-based JA chapter, was announced this week by Jack Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. The local chapter, headquartered in Moline, is a member of the global JA network.
“Dougal has provided great leadership and built a culture of trust within the organization,” said Nick Kremer, the JA chapter’s governing board chair. “This nomination is a testament of Dougal’s ability to proactively embrace areas of opportunity and growth within the communities we serve, and exemplifies his passion for helping young people succeed.
“He is a selfless leader with amazing vision for our future,” Mr. Kremer said in a news release.
The Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award is named in honor of Karl Flemke, who served as JA’s National President and CEO from 1982 to 1994. Mr. Flemke took great pride in the accomplishments of JA’s young professionals and was instrumental in expanding its programs into the elementary schools.
The award recognizes significant achievements and contributions of a first-time Junior Achievement USA area president with not less than two and not more than six years of service in their current position. It was developed and is presented by the JA Pioneers (JASAN).
Other nominees are: Lori McCleese, JA of North Central Ohio, Inc. (Akron/Canton); Ryan Osborn, JA of Central Iowa, Inc. (Des Moines); Leigh Mansberg, JA of Memphis and the Mid-South, Inc. (Memphis, Tennessee); and Janie Cook – JA of South Texas, Inc. (San Antonio).
An awards committee will determine the winner of the Karl Flemke award, who will be announced and recognized at an awards dinner at the National Leadership Conference on Thursday, July 14, in Fort Worth, Texas.
For 66 years, JA of the Heartland has been serving young people in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, equipping them with the skillset and mindset to create sustainable businesses, find meaningful employment, and build thriving communities. It serves youth in 24 counties in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and Grant County in Wisconsin.
