Mary Rueter (R)

Mary Rueter is retired from her position as general manager and managing editor of her community newspaper, The (DeWitt) Observer, following a career of more than 41 years. Her experience in the newspaper field cultivated an interest in transparency and openness in government as well as the need for freedom of information. Rueter has a long history of volunteerism, ranging from 16 years as a member of the Mississippi Bend AEA board of directors and long-time service on local education and hospital foundations and the DeWitt Chamber and Development Company’s board of directors to committee assignments with the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA) and the presidency of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation. She has been recognized for her professional accomplishments as the “Communicator of Achievement” for the National Federation of Press Women and by INA as a Master Editor Publisher and a recipient of its Distinguished Service Award.
Rueter and her late husband, Al, are parents of four grown children. She also has six grandchildren.