Leadership Iowa 2023-24 Nominations Due April 1

March 13, 2023 | Taking Care of Business Conference Showcases Top Speakers, Workshops, Cedar Rapids’ Resilience Kendall Antle, Programs & Engagement Coordinator, ABI Foundation, kantle@iowaabi.org

The deadline to nominate Iowans in your community for Leadership Iowa’s 2023-24 class is fast approaching. Leadership Iowa is our state’s premier issues-awareness program developed by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation. 

Each year, forty Iowa leaders are selected to participate in the program and gain first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing our state. Through an integrated series of eight, two-day monthly sessions, October through June, the cohort convenes throughout Iowa gleaning knowledge and resources to effect change both personally and within their organizations and communities. 

“Leadership Iowa has been one of the greatest personal growth experiences of my life,” said Matt Doty, chief operating officer at Weaton Companies in Fairfield, Iowa, 2021-22 program participant and 2022-23 program co-chair. “This program allowed me the opportunity to really get to know people with vastly different life experiences than my own, and in the process, learn about important issues facing our great state.” 

More than 1,300 Iowans have taken part in the program since it began in 1982. Each Leadership Iowa class is meticulously selected to represent a wide array of industries, professions, backgrounds, civic engagement, geographic locations, and more within our state. The common thread among participants is their desire to learn, connect, and use their leadership skills to effect positive change throughout Iowa. 

“Leadership Iowa’s strength lies within the diversity and engagement of our participants,” notes Jessi McQuerrey, director of programs at the ABI Foundation. “These invaluable connections forged through the program stretch well beyond industry and county lines, often leading to future collaboration and lifelong friendships,” says McQuerrey. “It’s then what they choose to do with what they gain from this experience that makes all the difference for Iowa.” 

Workplaces and communities across the state benefit from representation in the program, as the ideas and inspiration gained through their participants can often be applied locally in a number of ways. Leadership Iowa is one way that companies can retain talent and invest in the personal and professional development of their employees. 

Nominations for the 2023-24 program will be accepted through April 1. Individuals must first be nominated in order to apply. Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged. After April 1, nominees will receive details regarding the application process.