2022-2023 Leadership Academy Applications - now closed
Applications will be reviewed and the class participants will be selected by September 1.
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, being groomed for, 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. Selection of the Leadership Academy class is competitive and involves thoughtful consideration by a review committee.
Program Dates (unless otherwise noted, all classes will be held in the Des Moines metro area)
October 12-13, 2022 - Session the afternoon of Oct. 12th, group dinner that evening, and session the morning of Oct. 13th
November 16, 2022
December 7, 2022
January 10-11, 2023 – 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. 10.
February 16, 2023 – At Minburn Communications in Woodward
March 19, 2023 – Evening – Graduation dinner
March 20, 2023 – Programming the morning of March 20. Participants will be recognized during the Annual Meeting of Members at the ICA Annual Meeting & Expo that begins the afternoon of March 20.
Program Content Leadership Academy will include a mix of presentations, interactive workshops, and participant discussions. Each year, content is reviewed and adjusted as needed to provide participants with the most relevant contact possible. Topics to be covered include:
Leadership Personality and Strengths Workshop
Human Resources Basics
Time Management and Delegation
Building Successful Teams
Leading Effective Meetings
Customer Service
Strategic Thinking
Goal Setting
Importance of Legislative and Regulatory Involvement
Community and Economic Development
Cost The cost to participate in the ICA Leadership Academy is $750. This fee includes:
All session content and trainer fees
All participant materials
Meals during the scheduled class times
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.
Have the full support of your supervisor and/or board of directors.
ICA places a high priority on full participation. All applicants should consider personal and professional calendars and make the necessary adjustment to accommodate the program schedule.
All sessions, unless otherwise noted, will be held in person. ICA will follow any federal or state health and safety guidelines that may be in place at the time of the sessions.
Congratulations to the ICA Leadership Academy Graduates
2021-2022 ICA Leadership Academy
Marcie Boerner, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
Brittany Bonnicksen, Iowa Communications Alliance
Ray Fear, Farmtel Communications
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, Cascade Communications
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
Chris Dodd, Evertek, Inc.
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