Iowa Communications Alliance Leadership Academy

 

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 Class
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
  • Jillinda Thornton, IAMO Telephone Company
  • Johnathon Tuvera, Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative