Regional leadership development program cohort to begin

Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation & Leadership welcomes the 2025–26 cohort selected for the Accelerate Siouxland leadership development program. Starting Sept. 11, the participants will develop relationships in the region and be equipped to become stronger community leaders.

“Our goal is to help participants discover more about who they are and how they can lead and serve,” says Russ Adams, who will lead the program along with Laura Jeltema, co-owner of KinderZone in Orange City. “Each year we look forward to walking alongside a new group of leaders as they grow in their understanding of themselves, leadership and the opportunities that exist throughout Siouxland.”

Adams, a retired and award-winning superintendent and principal, joined Northwestern College’s staff in 2024. Having served as an instructor in Northwestern’s online educational administration master’s program, he now serves as director of the Master of Education program in educational administration and as assistant director of the Center for Innovation & Leadership.

“It is a tremendous blessing to walk with the participants as they stretch and grow in leadership and in their capacity to serve others and strengthen their communities,” continues Adams. “It’s a privilege to support them as they gain skills, build connections and make a difference in the Siouxland area.”

Sessions are held in various locations throughout Siouxland where cohort members learn from area leaders and difference makers. Each session contains an educational component drawn from materials such as Franklin Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team” and “Unconscious Bias,” along with a community focus topic including nonprofits, community development, business and industry, health care, education, agriculture, politics and government, and the faith community. Using the tools they develop in the program, participants will plan, organize and execute a practical project designed to benefit the region.

“When we listen, learn and invest in people, we create stronger communities,” adds Adams. “This program gives participants the opportunity to learn directly from Siouxland leaders while gaining a deeper commitment to the people and places that make this region thrive.”

This year’s selected participants include:

Larry Carlson - Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley

Makayla Davidson - Orange City, Orange City Area Health System

Sara Den Herder - Sioux Center, Iowa State Bank

Brynn De Jager - Alton, Sekisui Aerospace

Levi Dykstra - Orange City, Schiebout Window & Door

Corey Glaude - Sioux City, Great West Casualty Company

Sarah Jungers -Orange City, Orange City Area Health System

Lisa Kats - Hull, Peoples Bank of Rock Valley

April Kruger - Sheldon, Interstates

Michael Lewis - Orange City, Lewis Marketing

Evelyn Leon - Sioux Center, Northwestern College

Carl Monroe - Orange City, Schiebout Window & Door

Kody Nelson - Paullina, Iowa State Bank

Luis Rivera-Santiago - Orange City, Northwestern College

Dominic Seivert - Sheldon, Security National Bank

Roman Stokes - Orange City, Pizza Ranch

Aaron Tuschen - Sioux Center, Link Manufacturing

Anton Vonk - Ireton, Sekisui Aerospace