The ICA Leadership Academy was developed in response to requests from members for additional, in-depth leadership skills development opportunities for member company employees.
Program Goal The ICA Leadership Academy will raise up leaders who desire to take the next step into a leadership role both in their companies and the ICA through networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership skills training.
Target Audience Member company employees who are being considered for, working towards, or new to leadership positions within their organization. The class size will be limited to no more than 12 participants and only one participant per member company. The limited class size will allow for maximum participation and networking.
Applying does not guarantee a spot in the class. Leadership Academy participants are selected through a competitive and blind review process. The committee thoughtfully considers all the information provided on the application.
Program Dates (unless otherwise noted, all classes will be held in the Des Moines metro area)
October 14-15, 2026 - Session the afternoon of Oct. 14, group dinner that evening, and session the morning of Oct. 15
November 19, 2026
December 9, 2026 – At a member company location
January 12-13, 2027 – In conjunction with the Executive Pathways Conference and Legislative Welcome Back Reception. Leadership Academy participants will also attend the legislative reception and then have a group dinner on the evening of Jan. 12.
February 3, 2027
March 10, 2027 – session make-up date
March 21, 2027 – Evening – Graduation dinner
March 22, 2027 – Programming the morning of March 22. Participants will be recognized during the Annual Meeting of Members at the ICA Annual Meeting & Expo that begins the afternoon of March 22.
Program Content The Leadership Academy is highly interactive and will include a mix of presentations, workshops, and participant discussions. Each year, content is reviewed and adjusted as needed to provide participants with the most relevant content possible. Topics to be covered include:
Leadership Personality and Strengths Workshop
Time Management and Delegation
Building Successful Teams
Leading Effective Meetings
Strategic Thinking
Goal Setting
Presentation Skills
Importance of Legislative and Regulatory Involvement
Community and Economic Development
Cost The cost to participate in the ICA Leadership Academy is $899. This fee includes:
All session content and trainer fees
All participant materials
Participation in the ICA Executive Pathways Conference and the Welcome Back Legislative Reception
Meals during all scheduled class times
Registration to the ICA Annual Meeting & Expo is not included in the Leadership Academy fee.
Any travel-related expenses will be the responsibility of the member company.
Participant Expectations
Attend and actively participate in ALL scheduled sessions. Emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Complete any homework assignments given to the class.
Participate in at least one ICA committee meeting/conference call during the course.
ICA places a high priority on full participation. All applicants should consider personal and professional calendars and make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the program schedule. All sessions will be held in person.
Application Process There are two parts to the application. Part 1 should be completed by the applicant. Part 2 is to be completed by the applicant’s supervisor. If the applicant is the GM/CEO, Part 2 should be completed by the Board President. Responses provided in both parts of the application will be considered in the blind review and selection of class participants.
Applicant and Supervisor complete the attached application. The application is provided in a Word document format, allowing you to type your responses directly into the application.
Submit the completed application by July 31, 2026 to: [email protected]
Applications will undergo a blind review and be scored by the Leadership Academy Committee members. Please note this is a competitive process and simply submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot in the class.
