Leadership Clarinda to Launch Inaugural Community Leadership Program in Fall 2026
A community leadership development initiative, Leadership Clarinda, will launch its inaugural
class in September 2026. Designed to cultivate and empower emerging leaders, the nine-month
program will run from September 2026 through May 2027, meeting on the third Thursday of each
month from 9am-4pm.
Leadership Clarinda is a community-driven initiative dedicated to investing in Clarinda’s future
by providing participants with meaningful learning experiences, valuable connections, and
practical leadership opportunities. The program is currently accepting applications to form a
cohort of 12–15 emerging leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds. Through intentional
engagement and collaboration, Leadership Clarinda seeks to strengthen civic involvement,
sharpen professional skills, and cultivate a dynamic network of leaders committed to the long term success of the community.
Each monthly session will explore key sectors that shape the community, including healthcare,
recreation, government, education, non-profit, industry, agriculture, finance, and more. Through
site visits, panel discussions, and interactive learning experiences, participants will gain a deeper
understanding of local systems, challenges, and opportunities while building lasting professional
relationships.
“I am both excited and proud to serve on the planning committee for the inaugural Leadership
Clarinda program! The Leadership Clarinda program will serve as a catalyst for growing leaders
in a variety of capacities in our community. In return, this investment will strengthen our industries,
small businesses and non-profit organizations,” said planning team member Chad Wellhausen of
Wellhausen Real Estate and Consulting.
Wellhausen, Austin Gutknecht, Mike Anderson, Kerry Clark, Elaine Farwell, Andrew Hoppmann,
and Beckie T. Finch serve on the Leadership Clarinda Planning Team, a sub-committee of
Clarinda’s Vision35 community-wide planning process held in 2024. The Leadership Clarinda
planning team operates with a shared commitment to investing in people and strengthening the
community and believe that stronger leaders help build a stronger Clarinda.
Community members interested in participating or supporting the program are encouraged to
visit www.clarindafoundation.com/leadership for information, updates, and applications.
Beckie T. Finch
Clarinda Foundation Executive Director
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