Distinguished Alumni Award

Kelly J. Hayworth, 83BBA, 85MBA, knows what it means to be a good neighbor. Not only is this University of Iowa graduate willing to lend a helping hand in his own town, but he's also willing to reach out to his alma mater's hometown. That's because the 14-year administrator for the city of Coralville, Iowa, understands that good neighbors-and forward-looking ideas-make for prosperous communities.

The Des Moines, Iowa, native learned such lessons during his years at the UI as an undergraduate majoring in industrial relations and human resources and a graduate student in finance and industrial relations and human resources. While at Iowa, Hayworth gained the leadership and business acumen that he still applies to his professional life today: political skills, people skills, and partnering skills.

Hayworth also honed his business and leadership skills through professional experiences that included summers working for the Iowa State Fair Board in Des Moines and a position as finance officer for Creston, Iowa, where he successfully developed and managed a $3 million budget, established new employee policies, and planned financing for capital improvements.

Just 26 years old when he became Coralville city administrator, Hayworth used his people skills, business savvy, and fiscal discipline to build the community into a place worthy of the city's "Just Can't Hide That Coralville Pride" slogan.

Hayworth's most notable achievements include spearheading major economic development projects, such as the Coral Ridge Mall; developing the Town Center, a retail and business area near the heart of town; expanding the city's infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment and water facilities; planning for an extensive trails system; and hosting city celebrations, such as the annual Fourth Fest and overnight RAGBRAI stops.

Under Hayworth's direction, the city of Coralville has earned two Iowa League of Cities All Star Community Awards-an honor that goes to a select group of Iowa communities each year-and was designated the "Most Livable City in the World" in its population category in 2002.

Though he's adept at providing big-picture guidance, Hayworth also is willing to roll up his sleeves, sometimes literally, and help his city attend to the smaller details of building a prosperous community. He has created programs to benefit young people, including the annual Northwest Junior High "Make a Difference" day, in which seventh grade students work in community service for one day each year. He also is a dedicated leader of the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity and a member of various local volunteer groups and organizations.

Despite this busy schedule of supporting his own city's community, Hayworth finds time to stay connected to his UI community and continues to be the best kind of neighbor.

Hayworth is a life member of the UI Alumni Association.