New leaders ‘graduate’ in Fort Dodge

HANS MADSEN

The 25 graduates of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Leadership Fort Dodge program were spared one tradition Tuesday evening during their graduation at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

No caps or gowns.

However two of the graduates, did get to speak to their classmates.

Amy Pingel, with Iowa Central Community College, spoke first.

“I came back here after college,” she said. “I knew Fort Dodge would be what I made of it. I have an extreme passion about the community.”

Jill Nelson, Economic Development director for the Greater Fort Dodge Area Growth Alliance, said the goal of the program, besides introducing the participants to the community, is to inspire.

“We hope they find something in the community they’re passionate about,” she said. “To find something and become involved.”

She said applications for the next class will be available in a few weeks through the Growth Alliance. The program is open to employees of Alliance members.

These are the Leadership Fort Dodge graduates for 2016-2017

Mary Alves, Spin Markket

Caley Bloom, KHI Solutions

Rachael Cook, First State Bank

Katie Degelau, Cargill

Mindy Derrig, Friendship Haven

Jon Flattery, First American Bank

Scott Forbes, Webster County emergency management coordinator

Debbie Gray, Friendship Haven

Erin Habben, Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department

Kenneth Hayes, Fort Dodge Senior

High School principal

Suzanne Hearn, UnityPoint Health — Berryhill Center

Joni Hefley, Webster County Conservation

Nick Johnson, Prairie Lakes Church

Ryan Kent, Edward D. Jones

Sidney McField, Fort Dodge Ford Toyota

Angila Moffitt

Lynn Pedersen, QPS Employment Group

Amy Pingel, Iowa Central Community College

Jennifer Pullen, UnityPoint Health — Berryhill Center

Jeremy Purvis, Snyder & Associates

Chuy Rivas, Country Financial

Julie Rowe, Northwoods Living

Mark Simonson, Access Systems

Jenny Weiss, KHI Solutions

Dan Wiedmeier, McClure Engineering Co.

Full article.