Northwestern leadership development program accepts applications for 2024-25

Dr. D. Nathan Phinney (left), vice president of academic affairs, and Chad Hamill (center) of Diamond Vogel Traffic in Sheldon, Iowa, at the graduation of the second Accelerate Siouxland cohort in 2023.

Applications are now being accepted for Accelerate Siouxland, a regional leadership development program offered by Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation and Leadership.

The program seeks to familiarize participants with Siouxland’s resources to spark new connections and ideas that enhance the well-being of area residents and their communities. Members engage award-winning materials such as Franklin Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team,” and “Unconscious Bias”; network with northwest Iowa organizational leaders; and complete a practical project designed to benefit the region.

This year’s cohort will be led by Russ Adams, assistant director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership, and Laura Jeltema, co-owner of KinderZone, Orange City.

Adams will begin his role in the Center for Innovation and Leadership on Aug. 1 after retiring from MOC-Floyd Valley in June following 11 years as district superintendent. He will also serve as director of Northwestern’s Master of Education program in educational administration.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Erica Vonk, director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership, and Laura as we learn and grow alongside leaders in the Siouxland area,” says Adams. “The creativity and collaborative spirit that are sparked through Accelerate Siouxland—as well as the opportunities for professional networking—will be invaluable to participants.”

Accelerate Siouxland will meet on the second Thursday of each month from September through April in various locations throughout Siouxland. Topics for discussion will include government, community development, business/industry, health care, education, agriculture, nonprofits, and faith/values.

Cost of the program, all materials and micro-credentials to showcase participants’ personal development is $925. Registration for the 2024–25 cohort is open until Aug. 10 at nwciowa.edu/accelerate.