Written by: Colleen Frein, Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce
It’s time to get the party started! The Chamber is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the 110th Annual Meeting as we celebrate another year of accomplishments, recognize outstanding leaders and businesses, and, of course, have a little fun along the way. This year’s theme is a nod to the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce being named Chamber of the Year at the ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans back in July of this year.
During the event, the Chamber will honor the recipients of the Business of the Year, Boss of the Year, Distinguished Citizen, Young Professional of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year awards. The Business of the Year and Boss of the Year categories each feature three outstanding finalists, with the winners to be announced during the Awards Ceremony at the Annual Meeting.
2026 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN RECIPIENTS
O. Jay & Pat Tomson
O. Jay and Pat Tomson have spent decades strengthening Mason City and North Iowa through business leadership, volunteer service, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to helping others.
For generations of North Iowans, O. Jay Tomson and First Citizens Bank are nearly synonymous. After acquiring controlling interest in Citizens National Bank in Charles City in 1973, he helped build the organization into what became First Citizens Bank, growing a locally owned community bank with a strong presence across Iowa and Minnesota. His leadership extended beyond the bank through service to state and national banking organizations, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and higher education boards.
Pat’s career has centered on children and families. She worked with Lutheran Social Services of Iowa and later practiced as a family counselor, with much of her work focused on abused children and their families. She also served as president of the Mason City Family YMCA and has remained deeply involved in nonprofit and community service.
Together, the Tomsons have supported organizations focused on healthcare, education, youth, human services, and community development, including MercyOne North Iowa, the Mason City Family YMCA, and numerous other regional nonprofits. Through the First Citizens Charitable Foundation, they have helped extend that impact throughout North Iowa.
Longtime members of Trinity Lutheran Church, O. Jay and Pat have built a legacy rooted in leadership, faith, service, and a belief in giving back to the community they call home. Their influence can be seen not only in the institutions they helped build and support, but in the countless people and organizations strengthened by their generosity and example. It is a lasting legacy of service, and one that makes O. Jay and Pat Tomson especially fitting recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award.
2026 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Jessica Sutcliffe
Jessica Sutcliffe, an Industrial Technology teacher, instructional coach, and Workforce Liaison with Mason City Schools, has been named the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional of the Year in recognition of her leadership, community involvement, and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Jessica’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. In her role as Workforce Liaison, she has built strong relationships between Mason City Schools and local employers, connecting students with meaningful work-based learning experiences and helping ensure graduates are prepared to pursue successful careers in North Iowa. Her work reflects a belief that every student has a path to success, and that helping young people find that path strengthens the entire community.
Jessica’s leadership is also evident in the innovative experiences she creates for students. She has brought together Industrial Technology and Art students, educators, businesses, and community partners to tackle real community needs through hands-on projects. One example is a public art installation at Roosevelt Elementary School, where students helped design, fabricate, and install a permanent piece of artwork that reflects the spirit of their school and community.
Jessica’s leadership is defined by her ability to inspire collaboration, navigate challenges, and turn ambitious ideas into reality. She empowers others to see possibilities where they once saw obstacles, creating experiences that build student confidence, make meaningful improvements in the community, and demonstrate what innovative education can achieve.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jessica serves on the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce Board and remains actively involved in the local agricultural community. Those who know Jessica well see the same qualities in her personal life that they see professionally: her ambition, vision, willingness to jump in and help, and ability to find joy in the everyday moments.
As a young professional, educator, farmer, wife, and mom, Jessica brings passion and humility to everything she does. Her leadership is helping prepare the next generation of workers and community leaders while making North Iowa a stronger place to live, work, and grow.
Congratulations to Jessica, the Chamber’s first recipient of the Young Professional of the Year award.
2026 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Mikki Baker