(Des Moines) Forty leaders from across the state have been selected to participate in the 2025-26 Leadership Iowa program, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation announced this week.
Since 1982, more than 1,500 Iowans have taken part in the program, which is designed to educate, inspire, and connect leaders from all industries and communities. ABI President Nicole Crain said the new class reflects individuals committed to the state’s future and eager to learn and collaborate.
Leaders selected from southwest Iowa include Christina Bateman, of Vision Atlantic, and Mindy Stalker, of Union County Development Association.
The nine-month program begins in October and features monthly two-day sessions hosted in communities statewide. This year’s schedule includes:
Indianola – Opening Retreat (October)
Fort Dodge – Agriculture & Renewable Resources (November)
Cedar Valley – Workforce & Economic Development (December)
Des Moines – Government (January)
Muscatine – Manufacturing (March)
Decatur County – Education (April)
Perry – Rural Vitality (May)
Participants will graduate during ABI’s annual conference in June in Iowa City/Coralville.
