Worthington City Council unanimously passed Resolution 62-2025 on Monday evening, honoring Council Member Beth Kowalczyk for her eight years of service to the community. Kowalczyk, who served from January 2018 through December 2025—including two years as Council President Pro Tem in 2024 and 2025—received heartfelt tributes from colleagues who praised her steady leadership, mentorship, and dedication to making Worthington more livable for residents of all ages.
A Record of Community Engagement
City Manager Robyn Stewart highlighted Kowalczyk's extensive involvement beyond her council duties. She represented the city on the boards of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, Walnut Grove and Flint Cemeteries, the Worthington Partnership, and the Worthington International Friendship Association. She has served on the Volunteer Firefighters Dependents Board since 2019 and will continue in that role through 2026.
"Every time I turned around you were volunteering to serve that role... you were willing to help be that bridge and engage on behalf of the city," Stewart said.
Stewart also noted that Kowalczyk served as a key partner in strategic planning over the past two years as President Pro Tem, regularly meeting with Council President Rachael Dorothy to discuss the policy agenda and upcoming council matters. "You're always a great sounding board on process—it's not just what's the issue that we're dealing with, but how, what's the process that we move through with the community and with the council to get to a resolution."
Champion of Age-Friendly Worthington
Kowalczyk's most notable legacy may be her advocacy for older adults in the community. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the city's Age-Friendly plan and championed the creation of the SAFER program (Social Assistance for Emergency Reduction) to expand social service support.
"You've always advocated strongly for older adults in our community and making sure that we have them top of mind with everything we're doing with our services, the way we communicate about them," Stewart noted. "That's a lasting impact you've had on me and my thinking about a number of issues."
Kowalczyk also co-chaired the vision implementation team for "Worthington's leadership is forward-seeking and collaborative," advocating for new housing strategies, the creation of a nonprofit leadership front table, and enhanced connections between City Council and the city's boards and commissions.
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Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders
In her farewell remarks, Kowalczyk reflected on what began as "a summer hobby" in 2017 when she started knocking on doors, and offered advice to incoming council members:
"Listen. Ask questions. Assume you have something to learn. Go outside of Worthington—see what other communities are doing," she said. She encouraged new members to appreciate the gift of public service while remembering their responsibility to the community at large.
"Don't be afraid to do the right thing and don't be afraid to change your mind as you learn more about an issue," Kowalczyk advised. "Not everyone will agree with or understand your decisions, but if you believe in them you should stand by them."
She expressed particular pride in serving during Worthington's first women-majority council and being part of the city's first women leadership team, calling it "one of the most meaningful experiences of my public service."
Kowalczyk expressed confidence in the community's trajectory: "I'm confident that our community is in a good place with momentum and motivation to keep things moving so that Worthington's future is strong."
Her final words offered a characteristic touch of humor on the topic closest to her heart: "Aging is so cool—everyone's doing it."
A Mentor and Steady Voice
Council members shared emotional tributes highlighting Kowalczyk's role as a mentor and stabilizing presence.
Council Member Rebecca Hermann recalled how Kowalczyk guided her through challenging early days on council. "When we ran in 2021... I knew I wanted to be the best person that my community needed and as frazzled as I was at times and as challenged as I felt, you were always a sounding board. You were always the voice of reason. You were always the one to say to me, just take a deep breath and do the right thing," Hermann said. "You made the time away from my family... so much more memorable and so much more positive than I could have ever imagined."
Council Member Amy Lloyd thanked Kowalczyk for being "a calm, steady, reasoned voice on council" and her ability to summarize complex issues concisely. "Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me and telling me that I can do this leadership thing. I appreciate your support... and really your mentorship."
Council Member Katy Brewer described Kowalczyk as "a remarkable embodiment of what a strong female leader looks like," noting that despite not getting off to the best start, Kowalczyk "still opened up your heart for me and let me in."
Council Member Pete Bucher reflected on their six overlapping years of service. "You've been one of the most thoughtful, level-headed members, and we have hard deliberations that I've gotten to work with," he said. "You've left a lasting impression with some of the initiatives you've gotten through and some of the people you've mentored and taught along the way."
Council Member David Robinson recalled their shared journey through major issues including community gardens, the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID, land use decisions, age-friendly efforts, and commemorative flags. "Power to you, best to you in the future, wherever your path takes you," he said.
Council President Rachael Dorothy praised Kowalczyk's servant leadership and ability to keep the community's "North Star" in focus. "You definitely embody a public servant and with all the servant leadership that you've done I've been so thankful to be able to work beside you for so long. I'm very sad that you'll be leaving council but looking forward that you'll still be in the community and you'll still be reminding us what our North Star should be."
Looking to the Future
Stewart presented Kowalczyk with a framed display of her council nameplates, similar to presentations given to the other departing members.
Kowalczyk's tenure officially ends at midnight on New Year's Eve, but her influence on Age-Friendly Worthington and the city's approach to serving residents of all ages will continue to shape policy for years to come.