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Recruitment for the Leadership Northwest Missouri Class of 2026 is now complete! Leadership today is more demanding than ever. We invite you to consider joining us for the Class of 2027, where you will experience a transformative year of high-quality training and powerful regional networking that shapes not just leaders, but communities. An application will be available here in September with the application deadline of November 1, 2026.
The Class of 2026 Cohort:
Name Organization Work County Home County Shelby Beetsma Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation/DESE Livingston Livingston Crystal Berry 25th Hour Communications Sullivan Sullivan Ramsay Blair United Electric Cooperative/United Fiber Andrew Andrew Kim Brake Community Hospital – Fairfax Atchison Atchison Michael Evans Altec Industries Buchanan Buchanan Jeremy Glenn Second Harvest Community Food Bank Buchanan Buchanan Christa Horne American Family Insurance Caldwell Caldwell Kelly Hulett BTC Bank Daviess Harrison Gabby Jandron Bohemian Feelz Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork Nodaway Nodaway Mindy Kelly Carroll County Memorial Hospital Carroll Carroll Kimberly Meeker North Central Missouri College Grundy Grundy Cam Mullock US Bank Nodaway Nodaway Keifer Nemyer Nemyer Marketing/Tarkio College Atchison Atchison Brett Oertwig St. Luke’s – HMC/Wright Memorial Livingston Livingston Rachel Peter Northwest Missouri State University Nodaway Nodaway Summer Reeves Community Hospital – Fairfax Atchison Atchison Jonathan Schneider The Hearing Connection Buchanan Clinton Matthew Stine Missouri Dept. of Transportation (MoDOT) Buchanan Buchanan Mindie Stovall Carroll County Memorial Hospital Carroll Carroll Scott Sullins BTC Bank Holt Andrew Dr. Latha Varghese Social Welfare Board dba Stuber Health Center Buchanan Buchanan Diane Williams Harrison County Group Homes Harrison Harrison
Leadership Northwest Missouri is an exciting leadership development opportunity. It brings together participants from throughout a 19-county region to hone their leadership skills, explore regional issues and gain a network of contacts throughout the region. 2026 Recruitment Brochure
With the assistance of program sponsorships, we are able to keep tuition affordable at $1,000. This includes one night of lodging at the Abbey, all session meals and class materials. In addition, we guarantee at least two openings per county, so that all areas, no matter the size, have equal chance to participate.
The application deadline is November 1, annually. (Fully completed applications will assist in the selection process, especially when there is more than one person applying from a specific county.) Space is limited.
Participants From 2025 Share Their Thoughts:
“Leadership Northwest was a life-changing experience for me! The program challenged me to expand my thinking and blessed me with amazing friendships and an incredible network of like-minded leaders looking to make a difference. I can’t quite find the words to express the impact that this journey has had on my life, both personally and professionally, but I can confidently say that it helped me rediscover my voice, my value and made me strive to be an all-around better wife, mom, leader and coworker.” Shelbie Alexander, Linn County
“Leadership Northwest Missouri is an outstanding program for individuals seeking to develop leadership skills while giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. As a participant, I got to experience the diverse communities and economies that drive Northwest Missouri, and it has given me valuable insight and practical tools to improve my local area. Honestly, one of the biggest benefits is the relationships built during the course, and I know those will last long after the program ends.” Mike Hill, DeKalb County
Benefits…
Leadership Northwest Missouri will:
- Provide high quality training to enhance leadership skills
- Give you the opportunity for in-depth discussions regarding issues facing our region
- Enhance your ability to look at issues/opportunities in a regional context
- Identify avenues for active participation at the local and regional level
- Create a network of regional contacts
- Provide opportunities to participate in regional class projects
- Grant Professional Development Hours (60) at no additional cost
Criteria for Selection
Participants will be selected based on their desire to become a more effective leader in the region. Leadership Northwest Missouri recognizes the strength of diversity and will strive for a diverse class composition. Our region is defined as the following 19 counties: Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Sullivan and Worth. Each county will be guaranteed one class spot. (If a qualified application is not received from a county, the unused space will be available to anyone within the region.) Applicants will be selected based on the county in which they reside or work. The Selection Committee reserves the right to review and select applicants from outside the defined region.
Time Commitment and 2026 Class Dates
Classes will meet monthly beginning with a two-day retreat on January 21 and 22. They will continue at locations throughout the region on February 19, March 19, April 16, May 14, June 4 and June 18. Graduation will take place the evening of July 16.
Regular classes begin at 9am and adjourn by 4pm. There will be required evening activities on January 21.
There will be two required Zoom sessions for Class Project Planning on April 23 and May 21 from 4pm-5pm.
Mission Statement
We build, strengthen, and inspire leaders through training and networking experiences.
Vision Statement
We envision thriving communities and dynamic leaders.