A new scholarship has been set up in honor of a longtime economic development professional who served the Fort Dodge region.

Professional Developers of Iowa have introduced the Cindy Litwiller Scholarship. Litwiller was the Wright County economic development director at the time of her passing in March 2021. Litwiller, of Fort Dodge, died at a hospital in Goodyear, Arizona, after a battle with COVID-19. She was 65.

“Cindy was a longtime economic development professional and friend to many in our professional community,” PDI said in a statement.

The scholarship in sponsored by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

“Paying Cindy’s knowledge and professionalism forward and in recognition of her lasting impact on the state and the communities she served, the scholarship will provide access to a highly regarded educational and networking opportunity,” PDI said.

Prior to taking her position in Wright County, Litwiller was the executive director for the Iowa Falls Development Corporation, where she played a critical role in helping the community develop a former hospital into multiple living spaces. She worked in Iowa Falls for seven years.

Before working in economic development, Litwiller was employed as a marketing specialist for Fort Dodge and Webster County Development from 2007 to 2011. That was before it became part of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

From 2006 through 2010, Litwiller served as the Fort Dodge City Council member for Ward 3, where she played key roles in passing the 1% local option sales tax, which is earmarked for street improvements and repairs; the development of the ag park seven miles west of Fort Dodge; and the development and construction of the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center.

In 2000 and 2001, Litwiller was the administrative assistant to Mayor Gail Van Alstine in Fort Dodge.

The scholarship will annually cover the registration fees for two PDI members to attend the association’s Fall Conference.

Priority will be given to economic development professionals employed by organizations located in Iowa that could most positively be impacted by receiving a scholarship.

To be considered for this scholarship, please complete the application by July 23.

The link to the application is here: https://bit.ly/3y1y2sm.