WDM Chamber Announces 2025 Citizen, Emerging Citizen of the Year

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 11, 2025) – For the 80^th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and the City of West Des Moines has announced the annual West Des Moines (WDM) Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year, Jennifer Hahn and Robert Palmer.

“Jennifer Hahn and Robert Palmer exemplify the heart and soul of West Des Moines through their leadership, passion, and dedication to community service,” said Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “Jennifer’s tireless efforts in empowering our youth and Robert’s commitment to civic engagement demonstrate the incredible impact individuals can have when they give back. We are proud to celebrate them as our Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year, and we thank them for making West Des Moines an even better place to live, work, and thrive.”

Hahn has lived in West Des Moines for 25 years with her husband, Irving, raising their three sons, Chris, Mike, and Jonathan. She has been involved with the Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) since 2002, first as a volunteer, later as staff, and becoming Director in 2018. Under her leadership, YJI expanded beyond Restorative Justice to include Study Table, Chapel Ridge programming, Teen Technology, and Summer Adventures. In 2024-25, YJI recorded over 2,000 volunteer hours and served more than 200 youth. Hahn is a Drake University graduate who enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and time with her family.

“Mark Twain said it best ‘Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and blind can see’,” said Hahn. “I hope that by doing my part to spread kindness to youth in our community it will inspire leaders to lead with empathy and our community members to participate in collective community care making West Des Moines the best place to live as a young person.” 

Palmer, the 2025 Emerging Citizen of the Year, is a dedicated community leader and legal professional whose work spans local, state, and regional arenas. Over the past decade, he has leveraged his expertise to advance and promote civic engagement. A proud alumnus of Drake University (’10, ’14 Law), he gives back to his alma mater by co-founding the National Civility Summit for Local Governments, hosting speaker events, and serving on advisory boards. As President of the West Des Moines Community Foundation and Secretary of the West Des Moines Chamber—where he also chairs the Civic Connect Committee—his work enriches the community and inspires civic participation. Palmer lives in West Des Moines with his wife Kelly, sons Braydon and Cannon, stepson Kaden, and golden retriever Archer.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition, which reflects not only a personal milestone but also the incredible spirit and support of our community,” said Palmer. “This achievement is only possible because of the unwavering encouragement I have received, and it is that support that originally and continually inspires me to give back and continue making a difference.”

Both award recipients will be honored at the WDM Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Merch 5 at the Val Air Ballroom. Registration for the event is $100 per individual or $1000 for a table of eight. Those interested in attending can learn more and register through https://wdmchamber.org/events/annual-dinner/.
 

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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 900 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.