Leadership Development

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Leadership Exchange & Bootcamp

SAVE THE DATE: 2025 Iowa Leadership Exchange

Join us in Indianola on October 28-29, 2025 for the Annual Leadership Exchange event!
The Iowa Leadership Exchange is an educational event held to bolster existing leadership programs, support a statewide network of leaders, and empower communities to grow local leaders.
Early bird registration will open this summer.
This event is hosted by: Iowa Rural Development Council, Empower Rural Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, & Leadership Iowa

2025 Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant Application

The Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant program provides training, mentorship, and funding to communities and regions initiating leadership programs. Grantees are required to participate in a half-day bootcamp (October 28 in Indianola) resulting in a work plan and a one-year mentorship.
The program is administered by the Iowa Rural Development Council in partnership with the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Leadership Iowa. Applications will be available in June and accepted on a rolling basis until October 1, 2025. Contact Liesl Seabert at liesl.seabert@uni.edu with any questions.

Additional Leadership Resources & Partners

The effort to help develop leaders (current and future) is being led on multiple fronts.   There are business and industry-focused programs, educational efforts, leadership efforts aimed at young people, farmers and elected officials.  Schools, non-profits, associations, economic development groups and others are all working to “build the bench.”

Case Studies and News Items

Sometimes the best solutions are just down the road.  Many rural Iowa communities are implementing innovative solutions to address their leadership needs.  Those case studies and best practices can be a roadmap for other communities – if they know where to look!

5th Annual Leadership Exchange: Registration Opens Soon

Building and sustaining small towns and rural areas seems like a straightforward endeavor.  It can be complicated by remote location, sparse populations, limited access to equity, broadband or health care or other factors. In fact, the biggest barrier to rural development and small-town viability is a lack of local leadership.... Read More →

Press Celebrates Clayton County Champion

[Note Iowa Rural Development Council/Power of Connection reference] http://www.claytoncountyregister.com/articles/2021/02/23/going-places-here-home-jenna-pollock Going Places. Here at Home: Jenna Pollock This is one in a series of articles highlighting the latest generation of innovators making a difference in our communities. Conservation director has passion for Clayton County, nature and being positive By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register It’s... Read More →

IRDC Launches New Website

The Iowa Rural Development Council is pleased to unveil its new website,  which was created by the talented team at Big Imprint, a West Liberty-based websites and marketing firm. “We are thrilled to have Ethan Anderson and the Big Imprint designers on our team,” said IRDC Chair Sandy Ehrig.  “We... Read More →

Governor Signs ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ Bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds used the backdrop of the Wilton Candy Kitchen to sign legislation that provides state funds for rural housing and broadband. An article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette provides more information. Members of the ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ task force and the Iowa Rural Development Council joined Governor... Read More →