Twenty women and men, including Jake Forsythe representing Daviess County, make up the 2021 class of Leadership Northwest Missouri, an annual series of sessions that bring together existing and emerging leaders from throughout a 19-county region to discover and sharpen their leadership skills, explore regional issues, and build a network of contacts throughout Northwest Missouri.
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The 21st class of Leadership Northwest Missouri is shown during its recent “virtual” opening retreat. Class members are shown from left to right. Top row: Kyle Pittman, Clinton County; Shane Lynch, Grundy County; David Lucas, Holt County; Tammy Sparks, Gentry County; and Heather Shumake, Nodaway County. Second row: Jake Forsythe, Daviess County; Kate Lyons, Carroll County; Jenna Stevens, Grundy County; Becky Kendrick, Buchanan County; and Marcia Cox, Mercer County. Third row: Tiffany Berndt, Mercer County; Lesley Delaney, Carroll County; Jennifer Jarvis, Andrew County; Melissa King, Grundy County; and Mike Stolte, Nodaway County. Bottom row: Brooke Byland, Nodaway County; Bob Machovsky, Nodaway County; Samantha Cole, Nodaway County; Katelyn Addison, Harrison County; and Megan Atha, Buchanan County.
COVID-19 continues to throw curve balls at leadership programs all over the country. The 2021 class began with a two-day virtual retreat, January 20 and 21 instead of meeting in person. The participants will continue to gather monthly for day-long sessions either virtually or in varied locations throughout the region. The series concludes with a July 15 graduation celebration in Caldwell County.
Leadership Northwest Missouri has become the catalyst for identifying, training, and connecting the leaders of our region and is a pathway for effective leadership for generations to come. Sessions incorporate a blend of classroom presentations and experiential exercises; in-depth examinations of such regional issues as education, recreation, youth development, healthcare, quality of life, entrepreneurship, agriculture, regional awareness/vitality, infrastructure, workforce development and team empowerment round out each session.
“Regional-focused leadership development programs are the foundation for building the capacity of individuals, communities and regions to solve their own problems,” said Dr. Tim Crowley, a local leadership expert who is one of the program’s facilitators. “Participants develop leadership best practices, establish strong networks, increase ability to solve complex problems and deepen their understanding of regional needs and assets.”
Please contact Deb Powers for information on Leadership Northwest Missouri.