Leadership Calhoun
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025
Calhoun County Economic Development Announces Inaugural Leadership Calhoun Cohort
Rockwell City, Iowa — The Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) proudly announces the inaugural class of Leadership Calhoun for 2025-26. Leadership Calhoun is a new, year-long program designed to develop, connect, and inspire emerging leaders who are committed to shaping the future of Calhoun County.
After a competitive application process, 15 participants representing a cross-section of communities, industries, and organizations have been selected. Throughout the program year, these leaders will engage with county and state government leaders, local businesses, agriculture, healthcare, education, and community organizations to gain a deeper understanding of Calhoun County’s assets and challenges.
“This inaugural class reflects the talent and dedication of individuals from across Calhoun County,” said Theresa Hildreth, Executive Director of CCEDC. “We look forward to supporting these emerging leaders as they grow their leadership capacity and expand their understanding of our communities.”
The 2025-26 Leadership Calhoun Cohort includes:
- Lydia Larson — sponsored by Stewart Memorial Community Hospital
- Joni Gerdes — sponsored by City of Pomeroy
- Ben Olson — sponsored by City of Pomeroy
- Macie Schoon — sponsored by City of Manson
- Faith Wagner — sponsored by First Community Bank, Rockwell City
- Dillon Brandt — sponsored by Church of Christ, Rockwell City
- Joe Skinner — sponsored by Skinner Innovations, Lake City
- Amanda Trice — sponsored by Iowa Area Development Group Scholarship
- Bailey Landgraf — sponsored by South Central Calhoun School District
- DJ Erkenbrack — sponsored by South Central Calhoun School District
- Melissa Kinney — sponsored by Lohrville Visions
- Andrew Knobbe — sponsored by Landus
- Brittany Drew — sponsored by the Rockwell City Rotary Club
- Josh Henkenius — sponsored by United Bank of Iowa
- Holly Betten — sponsored by GEAPS, which is a non-profit (Grain Elevator and Processing Society).
Leadership Calhoun will officially launch with an opening retreat on October 15, 2025, at Twin Lakes Bible Camp. Monthly sessions throughout the year will focus on key topics such as local governance, economic development, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
The launch of Leadership Calhoun directly supports the Calhoun County Strategic Plan, which identified leadership development as a critical priority for ensuring a vibrant and resilient future. By investing in local talent and strengthening community leadership, this program aims to prepare participants to take on leadership roles that will help advance countywide initiatives and promote growth throughout the region.
Leadership Calhoun is guided by a strong team of community leaders committed to the success of this initiative:
- Theresa Hildreth, Executive Director, CCEDC
- Linn Block, CEO, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital
- Dave Kistenmacher, Manager, Fareway Meat & Grocery
- Andrew Lauver, owner, Lauver Farm Solutions
- Keaton Hildreth, CEO, Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association
The program is made possible thanks to generous support from our Named Sponsors:
Calhoun County Economic Development, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, Landus, Rockwell City Rotary Club, United Bank of Iowa, Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association, Lauver Farm Solutions, and grants from Empower Rural Iowa and Iowa Area Development Group.
Additional sponsors are being sought as we build support from across Calhoun County. If you or your business would like to be involved in Leadership Calhoun through a gift of funds or time and talents, please contact the CCEDC Office.
"The Leadership Calhoun planning team has reached out to local leaders, but we know a program like this is strongest when the whole community steps up,” explains Hildreth. “Your support—whether it’s a financial gift, sharing your time, or lending your expertise—will help shape the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference right here in Calhoun County. There’s still time to get involved, and we’d love to have you with us."
For more information, call 712-297-5601 to contact Theresa Hildreth, Executive Director of Calhoun County Economic Development.
You can request an application for the 2026-27 Leadership Calhoun Session below:
