Forty Iowa business leaders, including three from the Quad Cities region, have successfully completed the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation’s statewide Leadership Iowa program.
The annual program is considered the state’s premier issues-awareness program. This year’s class participated in a formal graduation ceremony, sponsored by Kuder Navigator, on Thursday, June 12, during the 2025 ABI Taking Care of Business Conference in Council Bluffs.
The Leadership Iowa participants with connections to the Quad Cities are:
- Amy Jones, of Bettendorf; Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island.
- Travis Kieffer, of Spragueville, Iowa; Plastics Unlimited, Preston, Iowa.
- Natalia Leymaster, of Bettendorf, Arconic, Riverdale.
For a full list of participants, visit here.
Each year, 40 Iowans representing a wide range of industries, professions, communities and more are selected to embark on this impactful, statewide leadership experience. The program exists to educate and inspire current leaders while cultivating a strong network of engaged Iowans committed to shaping a better future for the state. Since the program’s launch in 1982, nearly 1,500 individuals have participated.
“Congratulations to the remarkable individuals graduating from the 43rd Leadership Iowa class,” Jessi McQuerrey, ABI Foundation director of programs, said in a news release. “This program brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the state to explore Iowa’s greatest strengths and most pressing challenges, all while fostering connections and inspiring action.”
Demonstrating ‘what’s possible’
She added that the Leadership Iowa grads “demonstrate what’s possible when Iowans unite to learn, lead, and drive positive change. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the many individuals who make this meaningful experience possible.”
Beginning last October, the 2024-2025 class traveled to these Iowa communities for a series of two-day monthly sessions: Algona (opening retreat); Clarinda and Shenandoah (Agriculture & Renewable Resources); Ottumwa (Economic Development & Workforce), Des Moines (Government); Clinton (Manufacturing); Sioux Center (Education); and Cedar Rapids (Public Safety & Security/Community Preparedness & Response). Each session offered a first-hand look at essential topics for Iowa and its communities. Sessions included discussions with subject-matter experts, interactive experiences, industry tours and more.
This year’s program was sponsored by: Chevron and EMC Insurance. Additional annual sponsors included: Central Iowa Power Cooperative, Community State Bank, Emerson, Grinnell Mutual, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, MidAmerican Energy Company, Musco Lighting and Pella Corporation.
