GROWING OUR FUTURE LEADERS
Creating Positive Change in Warren County with Leadership Training
The Warren County Leadership Institute (WCLI), formed in 1993, is an initiative of Warren County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) and is an integral part of fulfilling WCEDC's mission. The Institute's primary objective is to train and inform leaders so they can create the best future for themselves, their families, their communities, and their county.
8 LEADERSHIP SESSIONS - Expert facilitators and Warren County leaders share important leadership skills and educate about the local communities and industries.
MEET EMERGING LEADERS - WCLI is a great way to network, make lasting connections and meet other emerging leaders in and around the Warren County area.
CLASS-LED PROJECT - Each Class selects a project that benefits Warren County. Participants work together to fundraise and complete the project. Learn about this year’s project here!
COUNTY BUS TOUR - Participants enjoy an interactive county-wide bus tour that highlights communities, businesses and developments in Warren County.
Each sessions encourages and fosters an atmosphere where all participants will:
Share ideas and concerns relating to their communities.
Develop tools and strategies for building their own communities, as well as the larger community of Warren County.
Appreciate the diversity of the communities that comprise Warren County to the benefit of the entire area.
Identify areas of personal interest and develop the knowledge and confidence to take an active leadership role in the community.
Apply Today! Deadline Dec. 9, 2024
2025 CLASS SCHEDULE
SESSION 1 - Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 2 - Thurs., Jan. 23, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 3 - Thurs., Feb 6, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 4 - Thurs., Feb. 20, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 5 - Thurs., Mar. 6, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 6 - Thurs., Mar. 20, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
SESSION 7 - Thurs., Apr. 3, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
BUS TOUR - Sat., Apr. 12, 2025 - 8:00 am-4:30 pm
SESSION 8 - Thurs., Apr. 17, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
GRADUATION - Wed., Apr. 23, 2025 - 5:00-8:30 pm
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
AB Coaching - Capital City Fruit - Gregg Young Chevrolet - City of Carlisle - City State Bank - ClearPath Financial - Coco & Nini's - Drake University - etc!Graphics - Exit Realty North Star, Terry Pauling - Greater Des Moines Partnership - Gregg Young Automotive Group - Hartford - Hometown Pride
AB Coaching - Capital City Fruit - Gregg Young Chevrolet - City of Carlisle - City State Bank - ClearPath Financial - Coco & Nini's - Drake University - etc!Graphics - Exit Realty North Star, Terry Pauling - Greater Des Moines Partnership - Gregg Young Automotive Group - Hartford - Hometown Pride
Houston's on Main - Hy-Vee - Gregg Young Chevrolet - Indianola Masons - Indianola Noon Lions - ISU Extension - Jennings Kallen Advisors, LLC - Milo Community Center - MO Valley Line Constructors - Norwalk Area Chamber
Houston's on Main - Hy-Vee - Gregg Young Chevrolet - Indianola Masons - Indianola Noon Lions - ISU Extension - Jennings Kallen Advisors, LLC - Milo Community Center - MO Valley Line Constructors - Norwalk Area Chamber
Peoples Bank - Salem Connection - Siemens People Builders - Simpson College - Sodexo - THB Cycling Team Bus - Toastmasters International - TruBank - The Village - Warren County Emergency Management - Your Clear Next Step - Sinikka Waugh
Peoples Bank - Salem Connection - Siemens People Builders - Simpson College - Sodexo - THB Cycling Team Bus - Toastmasters International - TruBank - The Village - Warren County Emergency Management - Your Clear Next Step - Sinikka Waugh
A FEW OF OUR EXPERT FACILITATORS
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Steve Siemens
The People Builders
Steve has “built” people in every state in the United States plus 22 different countries. He is considered one of the best professional speakers in the United States.
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Sinikka Waugh
Your Clear Next Step
Sinikka is a relentlessly positive trainer and coach committed to “even better”. She is dedicated to making business better and consistently looking to improve Your Clear Next Step.
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Jon Kallen
Jennings Kallen Advisors
Jon is an entrepreneur, attorney, engineer, a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and is a member of the Business Record’s 40 under 40 Emerging Business Leaders of Central Iowa.
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Alicia Benson
AB Coaching
Alicia is an engineer, leader, and life coach that has innovative ways to get people unstuck using her experience of rapid advancement from engineer to director on a leadership team.
SUPPORT A WCLI CLASS PROJECT
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CLASS-LED PROJECTS
Each year members of WCLI work together to select and complete a community project that benefits Warren County and some way. Click here to see a list of class projects that have been completed over the years.
CLASS MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
“The fundraising session gave me a lot to think about for our class project. I received additional motivation and resources to help create a positive impact for our community.”
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PLAYGROUND PROJECT AT WARREN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
The WCLI Class of 2022 has partnered with Brad and Rhonda Ross to purchase and install a new playground at the Warren County Fairgrounds that features an inclusive spinner and play structure that resembles a grain bin to celebrate the agricultural roots of Warren County.
FUNDS RAISED: $73,354.10
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Rolling for Freedom 5k Fun Run/Walk
Our WCLI Class of 2024 hosted a 5K Fun Run/Walk called Rolling for Freedom on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park to raise funds to purchase an all-terrain motorized wheelchair for Warren County Conservation. This wheelchair will empower people of all abilities to explore nature freely without limitations.
FUNDS RAISED: $11,000
WCLI ALUMNI
Graduating classes of WCLI span back all the way to 1993, and there have been many graduating classes since. View the list of our distinguished alumni. The local leaders and community members that have taken WCLI classes may surprise you!
WCLI BOARD MEMBERS
HAVE THE MOST FUN
Starting in 1993, every graduating class of WCLI has received an invitation to join our board, ensuring that our board leaders remain invested in providing the best possible WCLI experience. With this responsibility, they take pleasure in planning outstanding training programs and witnessing the development of emerging leaders in each class. Ultimately, our program enriches Warren County by fostering confident and inspired leaders.
2024/25 WCLI BOARD MEMBERS
Deb Allison ‘24
Lisa Chensvold ‘19, Madison County Extension
Ron Downing ‘18, Norwalk Police Department
Kate Haverland ‘24 - Hotel Pommier
Julie Kingland ‘19 - Simpson College
Chad Leeper ‘19, WCLI Past President - Capital City Fruit
Deven Markley ‘19, WCLI President - City of Carlisle
Alysha Martin ‘24, WCI Treasurer - Peoples Bank
Molly Slocum ‘24, WCLI Secretary - Pizza Ranch
Chuck Smith ‘24, US Foods
Ashlie VanGorder ‘24, Iowa State Bank
Barb VanGorder ‘24, Capital City Fruit
Vicki Vivone ‘24, Warren County
Kelly Webster ‘16 - Webster Creative
Rick Wilson ‘98 - KNIA/KRLS
Sarah Wirth ‘18, WCLI Vice President - TruBank
STAFF
Rachel Gocken ‘09 - Warren County Economic Development
Lucinda Sperry ‘19 - Warren County Economic Development
KENT BRITTEN MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Each year WCLI presents the Kent Britten Memorial Leadership Award to a nominated individual who best exemplifies leadership in Warren County. Ideal candidates display exemplary qualities of leadership and strive for a better Warren County, whether through their career, volunteerism, organizational participation, or their everyday life.
PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:
2024: Nate Fehl
2023: Brenda Easter
2019: Larry McConnell
2018: Terry Pauling
2017: Rick Wilson
2016: Roger Netsch
2014: Joe Weinman
2012: Tim Davison
2011: Mike Coppess
2011: Kathi Pfeifer
2009: Kevin Halterman
2008: Dave Zwanziger
2007: Jim Ford
2006: Jan Stivers
2005: Bob Sandy
2004: Dr. Donna Grant Paulsen
2003: Wendell Butler