The Manchester Chamber has named their 2026 Woman of the Year – Sarah Maurer of Manchester.
Maurer has been involved in numerous organizations and events throughout the Manchester and Delaware County area. She is an active member of the Delaware County Cattlemen, Manchester Vitality Endowment, the Rural Housing Initiative and the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority. Maurer was a key volunteer for both the 2010 and 2026 RAGBRAI events, serving as Co-Chair for this year’s Manchester RAGBRAI. She has devoted countless hours to agriculture, youth programs, church leadership, philanthropic organizations, and community improvement projects – from the Delaware County Fair cattle shows and Steer & Stein to downtown beautification, the Holly Jolly Market, FarmtoFork, and More 4 Manchester. Maurer says she chooses to volunteer with groups and projects she feels passionate about.
Her commitment to service is rooted in values learned growing up on her family farm, where hard work and community involvement were part of everyday life.
This year’s three other Manchester Chamber Woman of the Year finalists included Sarah Hermanson, Angie Lee and Jodi Muller. The honor came during the Chamber’s annual Girls Night Out at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion, which featured food, vendors, raffle prizes and several speakers talking to the crowd of women about various aspects of wellness.
Here are the nominations read at Wednesday night’s event for each “Woman of the Year” finalist:
Sarah Maurer
“Sarah Maurer has made an exceptional impact on Manchester through her leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to improving the quality of life for local residents. As Co-Chair of the Vendor Committee for RAGBRAI 2026, she spent months coordinating vendors, volunteers, and logistics with professionalism and positivity, helping showcase Manchester to thousands of visitors. Her service extends far beyond major events—she is an active member of the Manchester Vitality Endowment, Delaware County Cattlemen, the Rural Housing Initiative, and the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, where she advocates for safe, affordable housing and long-term community growth. Sarah consistently steps forward without seeking recognition, quietly investing her time and talents into projects that strengthen Manchester and Delaware County.
Her commitment to service is rooted in values learned growing up on her family farm, where hard work and community involvement were part of everyday life. Those values shaped her leadership in 4-H, FBLA, and her early career at First State Bank, eventually leading to her current role as a Mortgage/Consumer Loan Officer at GNB Bank. Sarah has devoted countless hours to agriculture, youth programs, church leadership, philanthropic organizations, and community improvement projects—from the Delaware County Fair cattle shows and Steer & Stein to downtown beautification, the Holly Jolly Market, FarmtoFork, and More 4 Manchester. She has been a key volunteer for both the 2010 and 2026 RAGBRAI events and has led numerous committees that bring meaningful projects to life. Sarah’s ability to envision possibilities, organize people, and turn ideas into lasting accomplishments makes her an extraordinary servant leader. Manchester and Delaware County are stronger because of her generosity, integrity, and unwavering dedication—qualities that make her profoundly deserving of the 2026 Woman of the Year recognition.”
Sarah Hermanson
“Sarah Hermanson is the kind of leader who quietly pours countless hours, energy, and personal investment into making Manchester stronger simply because she loves her community. Through Sherman’s Pumpkin Farm, she has created far more than a seasonal attraction—she has built a destination where families make memories, children learn, traditions grow, and people feel connected. Every trail, flower, improvement, and new experience is thoughtfully designed with visitors in mind. Her vision has transformed the farm into a place that supports local businesses, boosts tourism, and gives families a space to slow down and enjoy time together. At the same time, she leads One Above HR with professionalism and integrity, all while continuing to volunteer, serve on committees, support local organizations, and encourage fellow business owners.
What makes Sarah truly remarkable is the heart behind her leadership. Her faith guides every decision, and she consistently leads with humility, kindness, and a genuine desire to serve others. She mentors young entrepreneurs, lifts up those around her, and believes deeply in creating change rather than waiting for it. Her impact reaches far beyond her businesses—living in the families who gather at the farm, the people she encourages, the organizations she supports, and the community she continually invests in. Sarah Hermanson embodies what “Woman of the Year” should represent: a visionary, servant-hearted leader whose dedication makes Manchester a better place for everyone.”
Angie Lee
“Angie Lee is a devoted special education teacher at West Delaware who pours her heart into helping her students learn real life skills. She created a food cart program where her students prepare, cook, and sell food, giving them hands-on experience in nutrition, money handling, and business. Beyond the classroom, she coaches Special Olympics, helps new teachers grow, and constantly gives back—whether it’s preparing food for field day, organizing fundraisers, or supporting her students’ dreams. Angie’s job truly is her life, and her dedication has played a major role in the increased inclusivity seen throughout the student body.
Her influence extends far beyond school walls. Angie spends countless hours coaching her Special Olympics team, driving them to events, and giving them the confidence to succeed. She has also served nearly a decade as a Relay for Life team captain, hosting garage sales, bake sales, and can drives for the cause. Known for her kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment, Angie is respected throughout the community and embodies the integrity, compassion, and leadership worthy of a Woman of the Year.”
Jodi Muller
“Jodi is the definition of a servant leader—someone who gives freely of her time, energy, and compassion without ever seeking recognition. She is involved in countless community activities, bringing her warmth, empathy, and welcoming spirit to every organization she supports. From serving on her church’s Worship Committee and singing in the choir to volunteering at the Delaware County Fair food stand, Jodi shows up wherever she is needed. Her involvement extends throughout Manchester: the Vitality Committee, mural committees, the Christmas Home Tour, and major community events like RAGBRAI. She leads quietly through her actions, encouraging others to get involved and making every person she meets feel valued and welcome.
Jodi has a remarkable gift for connecting people, easing newcomers into the community, and creating a sense of belonging that strengthens Manchester as a whole. Beyond her volunteer work, Jodi is a steady, calming presence who brings reason and understanding to difficult situations. She communicates in a way that lowers tension, builds trust, and keeps groups focused on solutions. She doesn’t seek titles or the spotlight—she simply supports others, listens deeply, and contributes wherever she is needed most. Her years of service, integrity, and genuine care have earned her the respect of everyone around her. Jodi’s ability to bring people together, her unwavering commitment to her community, and her selfless leadership have made Manchester stronger and more connected. She is exactly the kind of person who makes a lasting difference without ever asking for credit, and she is profoundly deserving of being named Woman of the Year.”
audio and photo courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH (pictured L to R: Jodi Muller, Angie Lee, Sarah Maurer & Sarah Hermanson)