Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones, who represents the city’s Ward 1, is among eight elected officials to be awarded the Certified Elected Municipal Official (CEMO) designation in 2025, the Iowa League of Cities announced Thursday, September 18, at its annual conference in Des Moines.
The designation was created by the Iowa League of Cities as a way to recognize elected officials who commit to continuing their professional development while in office. The recognition program allows attendees to build towards the CEMO designation while receiving meaningful, informative and useful information on topics that expand the elected official's knowledge and capabilities.
“Continual learning – whether big or small, personal or professional – keeps us growing, making connections and being prepared for whatever comes next,” Sones said. “I've always seen it as an important element to incorporate into my development goals.”
To earn the CEMO designation, 50 credits are required. This includes a combination of core and elective credits through various workshops, trainings and events that the Iowa League of Cities offers. Additionally, participation in the program is 100 percent voluntary.
The Iowa League of Cities is the oldest, continuously operating municipal league in the country. Founded in 1898, the League is a not-for-profit organization that serves as the unified voice for cities, providing advocacy, training and guidance to the cities of Iowa.
To learn more about the Iowa League of Cities, please visit www.iowaleague.org.
Please join the City of Indianola in congratulating Council Member Sones for earning this designation!
2025 Certified Elected Municipal Officials:
- Becca Bixler, Mayor of Inwood
- Tim Fridolph, Council Member of Red Oak
- Roslyn Garcia, Council Member of Keokuk
- Tami Goerdt, Mayor of Tipton
- Dani Mann, Council Member of Nora Springs
- Cameron Nelson, Council Member of Fort Dodge
- Jeff Savage, Council Member of Polk City
- Mellisa Sones, Council Member of Indianola
(Photo Credit: Iowa League of Cities)