Leadership Fort Dodge

MISSION:

We are a leadership program designed to develop leaders who are well-informed, passionate about the community, connected within the region, and ready to make an impact!

Leadership Fort Dodge, established in 2005, offers participants the opportunity to learn about our community through professional presentations, tours of businesses, and interaction with local and state leaders. It is designed to develop leaders who are well-informed, passionate about the community, connected within the region, and ready to make an impact.

DETAILS:

The program runs from September through May with participants meeting for a full day once per month.
Enrollment is limited to 28 participants
A registration fee of $500 covers class materials, food, transportation, orientation & graduation

TOPICS

· History	· Local Government
· Healthcare & Human Services	· State Government
· Leadership Skills	· Recreation
· Arts & Culture	· Business & Industry
· Education	· Agriculture
· Public Safety

“After seeing all that Fort Dodge both needs and has to offer, I am very excited to get more involved!”

“Every class was full of great information. One of the greatest things offered to professionals in FD.”

“Thank you for the experience of a lifetime with this class! It was incredible and absolutely invaluable!”

2025/2026 CLASS DATES

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Afternoon Orientation

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Thursday, April 23, 2026- optional weather makeup session

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Lunch Graduation

2025/2026 Leadership Fort Dodge Participants

Angela Ayala

Blanden Art Museum

Angela Ayala is an art educator and the Assistant Director of the Blanden Art Museum. With a background in fine art and art therapy, she is dedicated to making art accessible for all ages and abilities. Angela leads therapeutic art classes that blend creative expression with emotional wellness, offering a supportive space for self-discovery and community connection.

Nick Bennett

McClure Engineering

Nick Bennett, originally from Fort Dodge, is a Staff Engineer at McClure Engineering, where he designs water treatment plants. A recent graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Nick brings technical skill and problem-solving to his role. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing.

Nick Clark

Town & Country Insurance

Nick Clark, a lifelong Fort Dodge resident, graduated from St. Edmond in 2012 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University, where he also played basketball. Since 2021, he has worked as an insurance producer. Nick is active in the community as a Rotary member and serves on the Lifeworks board. He takes pride in advocating for Fort Dodge and in contributing to the community's strength.

Lucas Cordle

Northwest Bank

Lucas Cordle, a Fort Dodge native and graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High, earned his finance degree from Iowa State University in December 2024. He began working for Northwest Bank in 2019 as a part-time teller in Fort Dodge and continued in that role at the Ames branch while in college. In April 2025, Lucas accepted a full-time position as a Treasury Management Representative in Fort Dodge. He looks forward to networking opportunities and learning more about the history and growth of the community.

Abbigail Diehl

Spin Markket

Abbigail (Abby) Diehl holds degrees in Graphics Technology and Web Technology from Iowa Central Community College. At Spin Markket, she combines creativity and technical expertise to support innovative projects that connect design with digital solutions. Abby brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between technology and design.

Tim Doyle

Flooring America Design Center

Tim Doyle, a lifelong Fort Dodge resident, graduated from St. Edmond in 1987 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1992. He returned to Fort Dodge to take over his father’s business, Chuck’s Floor Service, later partnering with his brother to launch Builder’s Showcase Studio. In 2010, their business merged with Flooring America and relocated to the 5th Avenue South Corridor. Today, Tim manages scheduling and commercial sales. He and his wife Susan have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of four grown children and grandparents to four granddaughters.

Stephanie Evenson

City of Fort Dodge

Stephanie Evenson, born and raised in Fort Dodge, is proud to call the community home. She serves as a Human Resources Specialist for the City of Fort Dodge, supporting city employees and strengthening the workforce that serves the community. Stephanie is dedicated to making meaningful connections and learning more about the opportunities Fort Dodge has to offer.

Taylor Elkin

Availa Bank

Taylor Elkin is a Universal Banker II at Availa Bank in Fort Dodge, where she provides personalized financial services and support to clients. A graduate of Manson Northwest Webster High School, Taylor previously built leadership and customer service experience through nine years as a restaurant manager. She is passionate about developing her leadership skills, strengthening community connections, and contributing to the growth and success of Fort Dodge.

Brennan Fehr

Edward Jones

Brennan Fehr grew up on a farm near West Bend in northwestern Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career as a design engineer for a plastics company in Webster City before joining Federal Hybrids, a local agricultural seed company, where he served in various roles including CEO. Following the sale of the company, Brennan transitioned to his current role as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Fort Dodge in 2024. He looks forward to networking with other professionals and learning more about the community.

Tim Guderian

Fort Frenzy

Tim Guderian, a longtime Fort Dodge resident, veteran, and entrepreneur, is well-known for his community spirit. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Kellie, and values time with family. Tim has supported the Leadership Fort Dodge program for years by encouraging staff participation and is now excited to take part himself.

Brittnee Harris

Bickford Realty

Brittnee Harris began her career in real estate in 2011 and now serves as Broker and Co-Owner of Bickford Realty. She takes pride in guiding clients through their real estate needs with clear communication and trusted expertise. Born and raised in Fort Dodge, Brittnee and her husband are raising their four children in the community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring with her family and attending concerts.

Melissa Haug

Prestage Foods of Iowa

Melissa Haug is Assistant Vice President of Technical Services at Prestage Foods of Iowa. With a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from South Dakota State University, she has led projects including oversight during construction and program development at the Eagle Grove facility. Melissa’s expertise includes food safety, quality, and animal welfare. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching and watching her kids in sports, raising and showing livestock, and spending time with family.

Jackson Hinds

First Interstate Bank

Jackson Hinds, a lifelong resident of Fort Dodge, graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 2019. Since then, he has earned his real estate license, become active in the rental market, and joined First Interstate Bank as a Financial Services Representative.

Jamie Hoshaw

Iowa Central Community College

Jamie Hoshaw has been with Iowa Central Community College for 17 years, serving in the Transportation Department. She began as a Department Associate, recruiting truck driving students, and now serves as Associate Dean, overseeing CDL training, recreational vehicle classes, and driver’s education.

Kristyn Klemp

ISU Extension and Outreach

Kristyn Klemp is the County Youth Coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach in Fort Dodge. She leads 4-H youth development programs and community engagement initiatives, creating opportunities for leadership, learning, and growth. Kristyn is dedicated to building supportive environments for youth through collaboration and a passion for positive development.

Alexa Leadley

Full Swing Financial Planning

As a Client Service Specialist at Full Swing Financial Planning, Alexa Leadley is dedicated to creating meaningful client relationships. She supports clients by scheduling appointments, managing administrative tasks, and ensuring a seamless client experience.

Jenna Matton

UnityPoint Health

Jenna Matton has been a nurse at UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge for 18 years. She began on the med/tele floor and later found her passion for cardiology care in the Cath Lab. Jenna has a strong family connection to healthcare in Fort Dodge, with her grandmother helping open the first ICU at Trinity and her mother serving as a pediatric nurse for 48 years.

Kamisha Mosley

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

Kamisha Mosley has served as the Administrative Assistant at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance for a little over a year. She is excited to participate in Leadership Fort Dodge and looks forward to the experiences and opportunities the program will bring. Eager to build new relationships with a great group of people! A proud Fort Dodge graduate and mother of four, Kamisha enjoys staying active and on the go. Her hobbies include traveling, attending concerts, sporting events, cooking, and shopping!

Austin Nelsen

Koch Fertilizer

Austin Nelsen, born and raised in Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University in 2024 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He now works as a Plant Engineer at Koch Fertilizer and also serves in the Iowa Air National Guard.

Lynette Nielson

Citizens Community Credit Union

I'm a lifelong Dodger. I'm excited to learn more about Fort Dodge and to be able to have a positive impact on my community. I am involved with my church, Scouts, and the Fort Dodge Area Quilters. I'm excited that Citizens Community Credit Union has provided me with this opportunity.

Matt Oberhelman

Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota

Matt Oberhelman, a lifelong resident of Fort Dodge and Webster County, enjoys working on cars and attending dirt track races. He also has a strong interest in local and state government, which has led to opportunities to assist leaders at various events and even travel to Washington, D.C. to work with federal officials. Matt is dedicated to supporting growth and development in the Fort Dodge community.

Anastasia Peratopoulos

Fort Dodge Public Library

Anastasia Peratopoulos is the Youth Services Librarian at the Fort Dodge Public Library. She recently relocated from Ohio, where she transitioned from teaching to librarianship. In her free time, Anastasia enjoys reading, exploring new foods and coffee, and visiting bookstores.

Jodi Perkins

First Interstate Bank

Jodi Perkins recently moved to Fort Dodge from Des Moines, bringing 25 years of experience in banking. She serves as the Retail Manager for First Interstate Bank’s Downtown and Crossroads branches. Jodi is excited to join the community as a homeowner and looks forward to contributing to its continued growth.

Amy Peterson

Friendship Haven

Amy Peterson has been part of the Friendship Haven team for 20 years, serving in various roles and currently working in the Business Office. She and her husband have two daughters, ages 8 and 4.

Isaiah Sorenson

Beisser Lumber Company

Isaiah Sorenson, born and raised in Fort Dodge, began his career with Beisser Lumber in 2018 as a delivery driver and has advanced to inside sales. A graduate of Sorenson Homeschooling, Isaiah and his wife, Sarah, have three children. Together they enjoy going to the movies and spending time outdoors.

Carrie Rock

Fort Dodge Community Schools

Carrie Rock is the Career Education Coordinator for the Fort Dodge Community School District, supporting middle and high school students. She focuses on career exploration, work-based learning, and building strong partnerships with local businesses. Carrie is passionate about helping students prepare for life after high school. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her two children, Jade and Braylon, along with family, friends, reading, traveling, and attending her children’s activities.

Jenny Stein

United Bank of Iowa

Jenny Stein recently moved to Fort Dodge with her husband and two daughters. When not at work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling. Much of her time is also devoted to growing their small business.

Eric Stough

CJ Bio America

Eric Stough is the External Relations Coordinator at CJ Bio, where he focuses on building connections and sharing the company’s story. He began his career at CJ Bio as an IT Assistant before moving into roles in investment budgeting. With prior experience in security system installation and logistics, Eric enjoys taking on new challenges and expanding his skills.

Jenni Szalat

UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge

Jennifer (Jenni) Szalat, a nurse by background, serves as Director of Inpatient Services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. Over her 29-year career at the hospital, she has worked in a variety of roles. Jenni is passionate about creating a positive patient experience and advocating for both care teams and the broader health of the community.

Madison Wafful

MidAmerican Energy

Madison (Maddie) Wafful is an Administrative Assistant at MidAmerican Energy and a participant in this year’s Leadership Fort Dodge program. Having grown up in Fort Dodge, Maddie moved away for a time before returning to the area to raise her family in Manson. She is excited to strengthen her leadership skills and contribute to the continued growth of Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities.

Program & Session Sponsors

September Session

October Session

November Session

December Session

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