Ottumwa Leadership Academy

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Ottumwa Leadership Academy

A 10-month program focusing on Ottumwa and Wapello county leadership development

Ottumwa Leadership Academy is a 10-month, tuition-based academy that provides participants an "MBA" in Ottumwa and Wapello County with targeted leadershp development strategies and skills.

08/27/2026

We’re celebrating O.L.A. Class of 2026 alumna Emily Mason as she steps into an exciting new chapter as Associate Dean of Professional Programs at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges!

In her new role, Emily will support faculty, academic programs, curriculum, assessment, and student success initiatives while helping strengthen connections across EICC’s campuses and satellite locations. She’s especially looking forward to building relationships and creating meaningful support for faculty and students throughout the district.

Emily says O.L.A. has played an important role in her professional growth, helping her strengthen her leadership skills, expand her understanding of the community, and connect with professionals across a variety of industries.

“I will carry those lessons into my new role by listening carefully, developing strong partnerships, and helping create a more connected and collaborative college community.”

We’re proud to see O.L.A. alumni like Emily take what they’ve learned and carry it into new leadership opportunities. Congratulations, Emily!

08/26/2026

Alumni, join us for the Business Book Club!

We’re discussing Hidden Potential by Adam Grant.
When: Monday, October 5th at 4:30 PM
Where: Wissota Chophouse

No cost to participate. Participant is responsible for book purchase and any food or drinks at event.

Sign up by October 1st at https://bit.ly/OLA-EVENTS

08/24/2026

Join us for the Alumni Association Kick-Off Mixer on August 27 at 5PM! Catch up with fellow alumni and learn about the Alumni Association. RSVP by August 25 at https://bit.ly/OLA-EVENTS 🎉

08/22/2026

Join us for Ottumwa's Unity Garden 5k Fun Run!

🗓 Saturday, October 10
📍 Jimmy Jones Shelter House, Ottumwa
🕘 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Every step you take helps invest in the next generation of leaders, with proceeds supporting scholarships for future Ottumwa Leadership Academy participants.

Register by September 19 to receive your event t-shirt, then come enjoy a morning of community, fitness, and fun—with a food truck on site plus water and bananas provided!

🎟️ Register today: https://bit.ly/5kUnityFunRun

We hope to see you at the starting line! 💙💛

08/19/2026

Join us for the Alumni Association Kick-Off Mixer on August 27 at 5PM!

Catch up with fellow alumni and learn about the Alumni Association. RSVP by August 25 at https://bit.ly/OLA-EVENTS 🎉

08/18/2026

For 15 years, the Ottumwa Leadership Academy has brought together community leaders, built connections, and created experiences that continue long after the final session. And now, as we welcome our 15th Leadership Academy class, we’re taking a look back at some of the people and moments that helped make O.L.A. what it is today.

So, for one year only, we’re changing things up…We’re putting a little twist on the traditional dean role! Throughout the year, we’re bringing back some former O.L.A. deans as Visiting Deans, with a different dean leading each session.

That means our newest class will get a front-row seat to years of leadership experience—all from people who have been there, done that and helped shape O.L.A. along the way.

A little throwback. A lot of leadership. And one very special 15th class.

We can’t wait to see what happens when the past meets the future in O.L.A.’s 15th class.

Check out the 2027 Soundtrack. We are ready to push play!

08/05/2026

Congratulations to Ottumwa Leadership Academy Class of 2022 alumna Jennifer Wilson on an exciting new chapter!

After nearly two decades serving in workforce development, Jennifer has launched Triple C Solutions, LLC, a consulting practice that partners with government agencies, community colleges, workforce boards, and industry leaders across the country. Through her work, she helps organizations align funding, strengthen workforce programs, and build better systems that serve both job seekers and employers.

Reflecting on her time in Ottumwa Leadership Academy, Jennifer shared that the program provided a deeper understanding of how a community works by bringing together leaders from government, education, business, human services, and the private sector. Those relationships and experiences continue to shape her leadership approach today.

"The Ottumwa Leadership Academy gave me what I'd call an 'MBA' in how a community actually works. That experience taught me leadership isn't about having the best idea in the room; it's about building relationships across sectors and following through on them. As I step into this next chapter with Triple C Solutions, I'm carrying O.L.A.'s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and civic engagement with me."

Congratulations, Jennifer! We're proud to see O.L.A. alumni making an impact not only in our community, but across the country. We can't wait to see all that's ahead for you!

Address

111 E Main Street
Ottumwa, IA
52501

Website

http://www.ottumwaleadershipacademy.org/

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