Leadership Development

Finding and Preparing Rural Leaders

5th Annual Leadership Exchange

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. And that’s not to diminish the role and efforts of existing elected officials, community organizations, and local boards and commissions.  It’s a reflection of the difficulty that comes with finding and preparing the next generation of leaders – and helping them to see the factors that will influence the community’s future.

Join us in Perry on October 29-30, 2024 for the 5th Annual Leadership Exchange event!

Resources and 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.”

• Leadership Iowa
• ISU Extension
• UNI Institute for Youth Leaders
• FFA
• Ag Leaders Institute
• Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development
• Iowa Valley Community College District 

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!

• Madison County Leadership Institute 
• Henry County Leadership 
• She Is