Abernathy awarded 2026 LCBA Citizenship Award
- shinz446
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Terry Abernathy, of Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy law firm, received the 2026 Linn County Bar Association Citizenship Award at the LCBA's Bench Bar Gala on Thursday, January 15, 2026. LCBA President-Elect presented the award to Abernathy. LCBA members Steven Howes and Stephanie Hinz, who each nominated Abernathy, cited his consistent advocacy, facilitation, and encouragement—often behind the scenes—to reinforce the arts as a shared civic resource. Arts institutions both local (Theatre Cedar Rapids, Revival Theatre, Cedar Rapids Washington Performing Arts) and statewide (Hancher Auditorium, Des Moines Performing Arts Center) have benefitted from his efforts. Howes and Hinz also recognized Abernathy's long-standing civic stewardship through service on the Coe College Board of Trustees and to Indian Creek Nature Center and United Way, and to the legal profession as past president of the Linn County Bar Association and as a member of the Sixth Judicial Nominating Commission.
Accompanying Abernathy for the award presentation were his wife Johanna, and close friends Chuck and Kim Swanson.
The Citizenship Award is presented to one LCBA member annually based on the following factors:
1. Active participation in civic organizations that provide services to others in the community, state and/or country (not necessarily just to other lawyers);
2. Active participation in activities designed to further the interests of the Iowa bar (whether at the local, regional or state level);
3. Demonstrates strength of character and ability to motivate others to action to benefit the community, state and/or country; and
4. Supports, promotes and “goes above and beyond” to further the interest of others in the local community.
The nomination letters can be read here:
