Leadership Calhoun
Invest in Your Leadership. Invest in Calhoun County.
The future of Calhoun County depends on people who are willing to lead.
After an outstanding inaugural year, Leadership Calhoun is preparing to welcome its second cohort of emerging and established leaders. Nominations and applications for the 2026–27 Leadership Calhoun program will officially open July 1, 2026, inviting individuals from across the county to invest in themselves while helping shape the future of the communities they call home.
Created by the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) as part of its Strategic Plan for Community Development and Capacity Building, Leadership Calhoun was designed to strengthen local leadership, build lasting relationships, and inspire participants to become more engaged in their workplaces, organizations, and communities.
During its first year, participants explored nearly every aspect of Calhoun County through immersive monthly sessions focused on local government, healthcare, education, agriculture, business and economic development, tourism, conservation, and state government. Along the way, the cohort formed meaningful relationships, gained new perspectives, and developed leadership skills that will continue to benefit them—and Calhoun County—for years to come.
Perhaps the greatest measure of the program's success comes directly from those who experienced it.
"The Leadership Calhoun Program is an absolute must for anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally," said Joshua Henkenius. "The monthly sessions challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and rethink my approach to leadership. Calhoun County is a community I care about deeply, and applying these new skills alongside a diverse group of local leaders has been incredibly rewarding. It has made me a more effective leader in my daily work and a stronger champion for our towns. This experience has been entirely worth it, and I strongly encourage anyone invested in the future of our county to apply for the next cohort."
For others, the program became an opportunity to establish deeper roots within the community.
"I felt this was such a great experience and I learned so much over the past year," said Lydia Larson. "Especially being a transplant to Calhoun County this was extremely valuable. I have had more leadership and growth opportunities living in Calhoun County than I did in Des Moines; this is a great place to be and I am so happy we get to raise our family here."
Leadership Calhoun is more than a leadership development program—it is an investment in the future of Calhoun County. Participants leave with a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural Iowa while building relationships with fellow leaders representing business, agriculture, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, and community service.
Applications are open to individuals who are passionate about serving their communities, expanding their leadership abilities, and becoming part of a growing network of leaders committed to making a difference. Whether you are an established professional, an emerging leader, a business owner, educator, healthcare provider, public servant, entrepreneur, or volunteer, Leadership Calhoun offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead alongside others who share a vision for a stronger future.
The second cohort will begin this fall with monthly sessions running from October 2026 through May 2027, culminating with graduation in June 2027.
Nominations and applications open July 1, 2026. Individuals may nominate themselves or encourage someone they believe has leadership potential to apply.
Leadership is not about holding a title—it's about making a difference. Leadership Calhoun is building the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our businesses, organizations, and communities for years to come.
For additional information or to request an application, contact the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation or visit the Leadership Calhoun page on the CCEDC website beginning July 1.
Your community needs leaders. Your journey begins here.
