Regional leadership development program cohort to begin
Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation & Leadership welcomes the 2026–27 cohort selected for the Accelerate Siouxland leadership development program beginning Sept. 10. Over the course of eight structured sessions and experiential learning opportunities, participants will cultivate regional partnerships and become stronger community leaders.
“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,” says Russ Adams, assistant director of the Center for Innovation & Leadership and director of Northwestern’s Master of Education program in educational administration.
Two members of the Orange City Area Health System senior management team will assist Adams with program facilitation. Sarah Jungers, director of foundation and community relations, and Makayla Davidson, director of ancillary services, each participated in the program last year and are eager to guide the 2026–27 cohort members.
“Our cohort members stretch each other and develop strong bonds,” says Adams, who is in his third year of leading the program. “At the same time, they grow personally and professionally while learning more about what makes the Siouxland area so special.”
Accelerate Siouxland sessions are held in various locations throughout the area. Each session contains an educational component drawn from three FranklinCovey professional development programs: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team” and “Unconscious Bias: Understanding Bias to Unleash Potential.”
A broad range of community focus topics will be explored, including business, industry, nonprofits, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, agriculture, citizenship in action, community development, and the faith community. Equipped with the knowledge and resources gained throughout 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 nearly 50 Siouxland leaders while gaining a deeper commitment to the people and places that make this region thrive.”
The following community members were selected for the 2026–27 cohort of the Accelerate Siouxland leadership development program:
Jose Alfredo Adame Anzua - Hull, EZ Liner
Alexa Bonnema - Orange City, Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community
Megan Callahan - Orange City, Lewis Marketing
Jonathan Den Hartog - Sioux Center, Interstates
Dustin Douma - Hull, Iowa State Bank
Erica Krohn - Le Mars, Le Mars Chamber of Commerce
Carrie Lux - Marcus, Details Custom Print Studios
Josh Metzger - Alvord, American State Bank
Kim Noteboom - Orange City, Northwestern College
Tyler Rappe - Orange City, Sekisui Aerospace
Stephen Trejo - Orange City, Sekisui Aerospace
Jodi Van Den Berg - Orange City, Security National Bank
Addison Whipple - Pleasant Hill, Northwestern College student