Local professional Pete Drury was named the recipient of the 2026 Rising Leader Award during the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Banquet.

The Rising Leader Award, established by the Chamber in 2025, honors an emerging leader in the community who demonstrates exceptional promise, innovation and dedication to making the Marshalltown area a better place to live, work, learn and grow.

Drury, Iowa Valley Community College District Dean of Career and Technical Education, was selected for his standout leadership across the region, heavily impacting Marshalltown in both his personal and professional life. He accepted the award alongside Chamber Workforce Development Director Kate Bowermaster and Chamber Board Chair Zach Stahlin.

“Pete’s Rising Star Award reflects the impact he makes every day. Whether he is supporting students, collaborating with colleagues or investing his time in community initiatives, Pete leads with purpose and authenticity,” said IVCCD President Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens. “We are fortunate to have him as an integral part of IVCCD, but his influence extends far beyond our campuses. Marshalltown is stronger because of people like Pete who choose to give their talents, energy and leadership back to the community they call home. This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement with him.”

“I am honored to be selected to receive this award. I want to thank the team at IVCCD for their investment and belief in me. As a first-generation college student, I am humbled by the opportunity that I have been given to use my abilities to help create generational impact for a community that has provided me with so much,” said Drury. “It has been such a blessing to see how every chapter of this journey has served a purpose that continues to unfold right before my eyes.”