Leadership Clarinda to Launch Inaugural Community Leadership Program in Fall 2026

Leadership Clarinda, a new nine-month community development initiative, will launch its inaugural class in September 2026 to cultivate 12–15 emerging leaders through monthly sessions exploring key local sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and government.

CLARINDA, IA - A community leadership development initiative, Leadership Clarinda, will launch its inaugural class in September 2026. Designed to cultivate and empower emerging leaders, the nine-month program will run from September 2026 through May 2027, meeting on the third Thursday of each month from 9am-4pm.

Leadership Clarinda is a community-driven initiative dedicated to investing in Clarinda’s future by providing participants with meaningful learning experiences, valuable connections, and practical leadership opportunities. The program is currently accepting applications to form a cohort of 12–15 emerging leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds. Through intentional engagement and collaboration, Leadership Clarinda seeks to strengthen civic involvement, sharpen professional skills, and cultivate a dynamic network of leaders committed to the long-
term success of the community.

Each monthly session will explore key sectors that shape the community, including healthcare, recreation, government, education, non-profit, industry, agriculture, finance, and more. Through site visits, panel discussions, and interactive learning experiences, participants will gain a deeper
understanding of local systems, challenges, and opportunities while building lasting professional relationships.

“I am both excited and proud to serve on the planning committee for the inaugural Leadership Clarinda program! The Leadership Clarinda program will serve as a catalyst for growing leaders in a variety of capacities in our community. In return, this investment will strengthen our industries, small businesses and non-profit organizations,” said planning team member Chad Wellhausen of Wellhausen Real Estate and Consulting.

Wellhausen, Austin Gutknecht, Mike Anderson, Kerry Clark, Elaine Farwell, Andrew Hoppmann, and Beckie T. Finch serve on the Leadership Clarinda Planning Team, a sub-committee of Clarinda’s Vision35 community-wide planning process held in 2024. The Leadership Clarinda planning team operates with a shared commitment to investing in people and strengthening the community and believe that stronger leaders help build a stronger Clarinda. Community members interested in participating or supporting the program are encouraged to visit www.clarindafoundation.com/leadership for information, updates, and applications.