Applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy are now being accepted. Download the application packet here. Applications are dues July 31, 2025.
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 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 15-16, 2025 - Session the afternoon of Oct. 15, group dinner that evening, and session the morning of Oct. 16
November 20, 2025
December 10, 2025 – At a member company location
January 13-14, 2026 – 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. 13.
February 4, 2026
March 22, 2026 – Evening – Graduation dinner
March 23, 2026 – Programming the morning of March 23. Participants will be recognized during the Annual Meeting of Members at the ICA Annual Meeting & Expo that begins the afternoon of March 23.
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 would 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, 2025 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.
Applicants will be notified by September 3, 2025.
If accepted, payment will be due by September 26, 2025. Questions? Contact Melissa Primus.
Corinne Schares, Office Manager Secretary/Treasurer - Oran Mutual Telephone Company
Ashley Throne, Customer Service Representative - Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association
Michelle Turnbull, Special Projects Coordinator/Marketing - IAMO Communications
Mike Vander Stelt, Lead Combination Technician - Premier Communications
2023-2024 ICA Leadership Academy
Ted Adams, Adtran
Samantha Carlson, Communications 1 Network
Jay Duncan, Heart of Iowa Communications
Carissa Hoekstra, WTC Communications
Natalie Hopf, Mahaska Communication Group
Matt Leisinger, East Buchanan Telephone Cooperative
Jordan Oja, Mi-Fiber
Mike Olsen, La Motte & Andrew Telephone Company
Dan Rosas, MTC Technologies
Nicole Schulte, Spring Grove Communications & Harmony Telephone Company
Jacob Slaubaugh, Kalona Cooperative Technology Company
2022-2023 ICA Leadership Academy
David Brown, Minburn Communications
Kellee Dawson, IAMO Communications
Brad Dorman, Calix
Sarah Hagen, Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association
Aaron Horman, F&B Communications
Robyn McDowell, Premier Communications
Katie Miller, Sharon Telephone Company
Erin Nelson, Wiatel
Justin Schneider, Coon Valley Telephone Cooperative
Carey Stover, UHY
Curtis Thornberry, Panora Fiber
Adam Welp, MTC Technologies
2021-2022 ICA Leadership Academy
Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
Ray Fear, Modern Cooperative Technologies
Jeremy Gugel, KCTC
Andrea Hansen, Butler-Bremer Communications
Steve Hanson, Northeast Iowa Telephone Company
Lisa Koerselman, Premier Communications
Mary Phillips, Minerva Valley Companies
Dominic Schnell, Northwest Communications
Kayla Sperfslage, Aureon
Angie Thompson, Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association
Matt Tippett, Mahaska Communication Group
2019-2020 ICA Leadership Academy
Devan Amdor, Cumberland Telephone Company
Mike Baker, Danville Telecom
Jamie Daubendiek, Jefferson Telecom
Rachel Hamilton, Marne Elk Horn
Ryan Joynt, Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association
Chris Lovell, CL Tel
Lee Mellema, Premier Communications
Kristine Mohning, WesTel Systems
Erin Petersen, Palo Cooperative Telephone Association
Jillinda Thornton, IAMO Telephone Company
Johnathon Tuvera, Premier Communications
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