Participants Selected, Schedule Announced for Leadership Iowa Class of 2020-21
September 25, 2020
Forty leaders from across Iowa have been selected as members of the 2020-21 class of Leadership Iowa, the state’s premier issues awareness program. See the Leadership Iowa Class of 2020-21 participant list here.
“It’s more important than ever to recognize the role our state’s leaders have in developing solutions,” said Mike Ralston, president of ABI and 1991 graduate of Leadership Iowa. “For the past 38 years, Leadership Iowa has provided them with the resources to make our great state even better.”
More than 1,200 Iowans have graduated from the program since it started in 1982.
Class members attend a series of eight two-day sessions between October and June. Each session gives participants an in-depth look at an important issue facing our state through discussions with subject-matter experts, engaging activities and unique opportunities. The sessions change each year to reflect the host communities and the most relevant information available.
This year’s host communities are Atlantic, Sioux Center, Ottumwa, Des Moines, the Quad Cities, Mason City and Marshalltown. Session topics include agriculture and renewable resources; economic development and workforce; government; advanced manufacturing and transportation; education; and community preparedness and response, public safety and security. The program culminates with ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference, which will be held next year in Iowa City/Coralville.
The program will meet in-person, following local, state and federal recommendations related to COVID-19. Specific health and safety protocols will be implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of all involved.
“This program recognizes these individuals for the leadership they’ve demonstrated, and their desire and commitment to effect positive change in their workplaces, communities and our state,” said Jessi McQuerrey, director of programs at the ABI Foundation. “Year after year, participants tell us that these experiences propel their personal and professional development, and we’re looking forward to another great Leadership Iowa year with this new cohort of extraordinary leaders.”
Participants are selected from a large applicant pool based on achieving the best balance of qualified candidates for a particular year. This opportunity is offered to Iowans by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation.