
About Us
Leadership That Strengthens a Community
Leader Valley believes leadership has the power to change lives, strengthen organizations and shape the future of our community.
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What began as an effort to help young people build the skills they need for school, work and life has grown into a broader commitment to leadership development across the Cedar Valley. Today, we work with schools, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to help people recognize their potential, strengthen their skills and make a meaningful impact on those around them.
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From the classroom to the workplace, our purpose remains the same: create more opportunities for people to grow as leaders and build a stronger Cedar Valley in the process.
OUR MISSION
Change lives through leadership.
OUR VISION
Be the leadership hub of the Cedar Valley.
OUR CORE VALUES
Servant Leadership: We believe leadership is for everyone. Through modeling leadership, focusing on strengths and creating opportunities for others, we empower people who will empower others.
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Human Connection: We believe in the power of diverse relationships. Through fostering trust and being a resource for others, we develop sustainable partnerships.
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Integrity: We believe authenticity is best and character matters. Through responsible use of community investments and leading by example, we build a reputation of positive impact.
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Lifelong Learning: We believe education is an ongoing journey. Through investing in individual and community development, we equip people to change their lives.
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Facilitate Change: We believe challenges are opportunities to improve. Through a flexible response to change, we create better results that ripple into the community.
Our Story
Leader Valley believes leadership has the power to change lives, strengthen organizations and shape the future of our community.
​
What began as an effort to help young people build the skills they need for school, work and life has grown into a broader commitment to leadership development across the Cedar Valley. Today, we work with schools, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to help people recognize their potential, strengthen their skills and make a meaningful impact on those around them.
​
From the classroom to the workplace, our purpose remains the same: create more opportunities for people to grow as leaders and build a stronger Cedar Valley in the process.
Programmatic Priorities and Outcomes
Priority One
Future Talent Pool
Develop the future talent pool by expanding the reach of leadership opportunities to PreK-12 students in the Cedar Valley.
Outcomes
Ensure students develop essential future-ready skills needed for their life ahead Strengthen the Cedar Valley workforce.
Priority Two
Current Talent Pool
Strengthen the current talent pool by providing relevant, quality leadership programming.
Outcomes
Ensure current and budding leaders are equipped to lead in the Cedar Valley. Strengthen the Cedar Valley workforce.
Leader Valley Staff
Leader Valley Council Exec. Committee

CHAIR
Shanlee McNally
Waterloo Schools (Ret.)

TREASURER
Gretchen Ogden
US Bank

AT-LARGE
Aaron Jarnagin
Integrity Grove

VICE CHAIR
Erin Earnest
Amperage Marketing

AT-LARGE
Liz DeJoode
PDCM Insurance

SECRETARY
Braden Yauk
Homeland Energy

AT-LARGE
Josh Halverson
John Deere
Leader Valley Council

Rachel Breuer
Cardinal Construction

Kim Cross
Retired Cedar Falls Principal

Katie Hillyer
True North Restoration

Emily Knutson
Hawkeye Community College

Jill Murray
VGM

Ryan VanMaanen
Smartbox US

Ashley Caldwell
Tri County Head Start

Torie Greenwood
Lincoln Savings Bank

Sherita Jenkins
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Danny Laudick
Mayor of Cedar Falls

Madelyn Ridgeway
24/7 BLAC

Kayla Ventura
Vine Valley Real Estate

Jonny Craig
Westminster Presbyterian Church

Mark Halvorsen
John Deere

Michele Knaack
Western Home Communities

Jane Messingham
BankIowa

Derick Stoulil
UNI Foundation

Juan Villa
Veridian Credit Union
Save the Date!
Celebrating 15 years of Leader Valley at the 2027 Leader Valley Gala on February 5th, 2027.
CLICK HERE to secure your spot!




