The Citizen • August 13

Citizen of the Month – Lee Bridgeford

Presented by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce

The best stories in Madison County begin with people who care.

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce a new tradition of celebrating the people who make our community stronger.

Each month, the Citizen of the Month program will recognize a Madison County resident who demonstrates exceptional kindness, volunteerism, leadership, and service. These are the neighbors who quietly give their time, lend a helping hand, and make a lasting difference—not for recognition, but because they genuinely care.

It is our honor to recognize Lee Bridgeford as the inaugural Madison County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month.
Lee, his wife Theresa, and their children have called Madison County home since 2015. After spending a few years in Patterson, they settled in Winterset, where they continue to enjoy the close-knit community and small-town atmosphere that make Madison County such a special place to live.

Recently, Lee was seen volunteering with SERVE 50273, helping re-stain the gazebo and sign at Cedar Covered Bridge. The group, formed less than a year ago, is made up of local residents who simply want to help their neighbors. Without social media or a formal organization, they stay connected through a group text, stepping in whenever they hear of a need in the community. Their quiet approach reflects their mission: serving others while inspiring more people to embrace the spirit of giving.

Lee’s commitment to service extends well beyond one project. He has volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, helping build beds for children in need, and spent several years leading a local 4-H Robotics Club. He is also involved with The Winterset Stage, where he got involved through his wife Theresa and has enjoyed learning new skills while helping with lights and sound, set building, and occasionally performing on stage. Whether mentoring youth, lending a hand on community projects, helping families in need, or supporting local arts, he believes in staying busy by being useful and doing good.

When asked what has encouraged his own commitment to volunteering, Lee was quick to recognize others in the community. He credits Megan and Jon Barrett, whose passion for community service helped inspire the creation of SERVE 50273, as well as Austin and Hannah Davis, whose willingness to continually step forward and help wherever needed has left a lasting impression.

Lee hopes others will discover that volunteering doesn’t have to be a major commitment to make a meaningful impact. Starting with something close to home, lending a hand to a neighbor, or finding a cause that feels rewarding can make serving both approachable and personally fulfilling. He believes that while communities benefit from volunteerism, those who give their time often find they receive just as much in return.

Lee’s humility, generosity, and commitment to serving others embody exactly what the Citizen of the Month program was created to celebrate. His example reminds us that strong communities are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to make a difference.

Congratulations, Lee (and family!) and thank you for helping make Madison County such a wonderful place to call home.



Each month, we’ll recognize another Madison County resident who goes above and beyond.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized?
Nominate them for a future Citizen of the Month by clicking here.