Ottumwa Leadership Academy

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Ottumwa Leadership Academy

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A 10-month program focusing on Ottumwa and Wapello county leadership development

Ottumwa Leadership Academy is a 10-month, tuition-based academy that provides participants an "MBA" in Ottumwa and Wapello County with targeted leadershp development strategies and skills.

10/29/2026

The Leadership Lab cohort recently explored The Trustworthy Leader with facilitator Heather Woody!

During the session, participants took part in the Helium Stick exercise, a hands-on activity focused on teamwork, communication, and strategy. The exercise gave the group an opportunity to see leadership and followership in action while working together toward a common goal.

Thank you to Heather Woody for facilitating an engaging session and helping our Leadership Lab cohort continue to grow as leaders!

10/28/2026

We appreciate Paul Sapp, Director of UNI@IACC Partnerships, for speaking with our Leadership Lab cohort about flexible virtual and hybrid degree pathways for students looking to continue their education close to home.

Thank you University of Northern Iowa@IACC Partnerships for supporting Leadership Lab as a sponsor!

10/27/2026

Join us for the Meet & Greet Mixer with the current class on Thursday, November 12th at North Court Brewing from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

RSVP online at https://ottumwaregionallegacyfoundation.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F62741

This event is open to all O.L.A. Alumni. See you there!

10/26/2026

This year’s class projects are taking a new and exciting direction. With expert guidance from Krista Tedrow, a graduate of the O.L.A. Class of 2025, participants are learning the principles of Human-Centered Design. Each month, the class explores a different component of the process.

This month’s focus was on defining the scope of a project by identifying who the project is intended to serve, what is already known about the issue, and why it matters. The next step in the process is learning directly from those affected by the problem or challenge. Through the hands-on workshop, participants practiced these methods and gained valuable experience applying them in real-world situations.

10/23/2026

Understanding the challenges facing our community starts with understanding the resources available to help. During the October session, the class participated in a hands-on poverty experience. Participants were paired up and given a specific scenario, then spoke with participating service providers to learn how their available resources and services could help address the needs presented in the scenario. This activity gave the class an opportunity to better understand the challenges people may encounter when seeking assistance and the importance of connecting individuals and families with the right support.

Following the poverty experience, O.L.A. heard from local leaders during a discussion on the intersection of poverty and community services. Panelists shared insight into the challenges individuals and families face and the services available to help meet those needs.

Thank you to the organizations that shared their knowledge and experience with our cohort: Family Crisis Center , First Resources Corp. , and Sieda Community Action.

Later in the day, the class toured the Bank of Iowa ’s Ottumwa Distribution Center to learn more about its work and role in supporting individuals and families throughout our region.

10/22/2026

During their October session, the O.L.A. Class of 2027 heard from local professionals during a panel discussion focused on mental and behavioral health services, followed by a conversation with health care leaders from our community.

These conversations gave participants a closer look at the organizations and professionals working to meet our community’s health care needs. Learning directly from local leaders helps build awareness of available services, strengthen connections across organizations, and deepen understanding of the partnerships that support the well-being of our region.

Thank you to the organizations that shared their knowledge and perspectives with our cohort: First Resources Corp. , River Hills Community Health Center , Sieda Community Action , and Southern Iowa Mental Health Center .

A special thank you to Ottumwa Regional Health Center for participating in and sponsoring the Human, Community, & Health Services session!

10/21/2026

As the Ottumwa Leadership Academy celebrates its 15th class, we're taking a throwback to the past by welcoming former deans back to the program as Visiting Deans throughout the year!

For our October session, we welcomed Marlene Sprouse, who served as dean for the Class of 2021. With more than 40 years of experience in education, Marlene previously served as president of Indian Hills Community College from 2013 to 2020. Today, she continues to share her expertise as a consultant, facilitator and coach in leadership and organizational development.

Our rotating Deans are a special way to celebrate the people who have helped shape O.L.A. over the years while connecting their experiences and leadership lessons with the next generation of community leaders.

We're grateful to have Marlene back as part of our 15th-anniversary celebration!

10/20/2026

The Leadership Lab cohort recently came together for a session on Understanding Conflict Resolution in Organizations, led by Dr. Celina Peerman.

Conflict is a natural part of any workplace, but how leaders respond can make all the difference. This session gave participants an opportunity to explore conflict resolution, strengthen their approach to difficult conversations, and consider how effective communication can help build stronger teams and healthier workplace cultures.

10/19/2026

A big thank-you to Buena Vista University for sponsoring Leadership Lab and investing in next-level leadership development in our community. Our cohort was excited to receive these BVU swag bags! 💜

Learn more about Buena Vista University at www.bvu.edu 💜

Address

111 E Main Street
Ottumwa, IA
52501

Website

http://www.ottumwaleadershipacademy.org/

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