WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS OF 2024-25 SELECTED

The leaders in the West Des Moines Chamber’s Leadership Academy are announced.

WEST DES MONES, IA (JULY 30, 2024) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, has announced its 2024-2025 class. This nine-month program will guide emerging leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project.

“I am excited to welcome another outstanding group of leaders to this year’s WDMLA class,” said Shannon Hasse, Advisory Council Chair. “For 16 years, the leadership academy has provided transformative experiences to leaders throughout West Des Moines. It’s powerful to see the impact this program has had on graduates, businesses and the West Des Moines community.”

There are a variety of scholarships available each year for applicants involved with the DEI Workplace Excellence Awards, Latino Trade Network, West YP, and limited funds for nonprofit organizations. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients: Mel Applebee, Alex Limón, Jaime Leiva, Karly Rehman and Becky Taylor.

The selected leaders for the West Des Moines Leadership Academy Class of 2024-2025 include:

Jaden Adams, Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness

Mel Applebee, Knockout Nails

Elyse Austin, Universal Pediatrics

John Baumhover, Shive-Hattery

Mike Bird, Carrier Access, Inc.

Lindsey Bosworth, Wright Service Corp

Carlos Castillo, Farm Bureau Financial Services

Zac Christensen, Perficut

Michelle Cole, Merchants Bonding Company

Ed Croushore, Wellabe

Laura Garcia, IMT Insurance Company

Leigh Goldie, West Des Moines Community Schools

Casey Guess, Merkle Retirement Planning

Lorenz Hasan, American Equity

Tabitha Hockel, Indigo Living

Todd Holup, Foth Infrastructure & Environment

Greg Hudson, City of West Des Moines

Madison Kruger, MCHS

Alex Limón, Proteus

Jaime Leiva, Legado Insurance Professionals

Matthew McCarty, West Des Moines Police Department

Abby McConnaughhay, Iowa State Bank

Alyssa McNab, Homesteaders Life Company

Ryan Nelson, Estes Construction

Wes Pieper, Eide Bailly

Karly Rehman, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

Brianna Ricklefs, UHY

Tammy Rodriquez, Aureon

Anchit Sharma, Athene

Ashlen Sheaffer, Des Moines Children’s Museum

Shelbie Simmons, NCMIC

Makayla Smith, Trilix Marketing Group

Becky Tayler, Iowa Safe Schools

Rick Tucker, Opus Group

Betsy West, Sammons Financial Group

The WDMLA is supported by presenting sponsor NCMIC and is led by an alumni Advisory Committee. To learn more about the program or the alumni volunteers, visit WDMchamber.org/WDMLA. Interested in participating in the West Des Moines Leadership Academy? Watch the Chamber’s events calendar for an informational session later this fall.

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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 800 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.