White House Honoring Johnson County Recorder Kim Painter for Being First Openly Gay Official to Win Office in Iowa

Update: I reached out to Painter for a reaction on receiving the award and here is what she wrote in an e-mail to me:

"This is a tremendous honor.  I am still a tad surprised, near disbelief even.  I’m honored to serve in this office as recorder, and I have been honored to serve in a number of the roles I’ve been fortunate enough to take on with the blessing and support of colleagues and peers over the years.  An award bearing the name of Harvey Milk is a bit overwhelming, but I will do my best to live up to it as I continue to serve the public."

White House press release on the award

White House Highlights Kim Painter as a “Harvey Milk Champion of Change” 

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, May 22nd, the White House will honor Kim Painter as one of ten openly LGBT elected or appointed officials who are “Harvey Milk Champions of Change.”  The event falls on Harvey Milk’s birthday and will recognize these individuals for their commitment to equality and public service.

“When President Obama posthumously awarded Harvey Milk the Medal of Freedom in 2009, he praised his leadership and courage in running for office.  Today, we honor Harvey Milk’s legacy in these ten outstanding public servants, who will surely inspire the next generation of public servants,” said Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White house to feature groups of Americans – individuals, businesses and organizations – who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. 

To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 3:00 pm ET on Wednesday, May 22nd.  To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

Kim Painter

Johnson Country Recorder

Iowa City, IA

Kim Painter serves as Johnson County Recorder in Iowa City, Iowa.  In 1998, she became the first openly gay person to win election to public office in Iowa.  In 2007, she was selected by peers to serve as president of the Iowa State Association of Counties.  She has also chaired Iowa’s Commission on the Status of Women.  She and spouse Jessica Kardon have been together for 17 years. They married in Iowa in 2009.