West Des Moines Leadership Academy 2025-2026 Class Announced

WEST DES MONES, IA (JUNE 24, 2025) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), has announced its 2025-2026 class. This nine-month program will guide emerging leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project.
 
“This year’s class represents a dynamic group of leaders who are passionate about growth, not just for themselves, but for their teams and communities,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development for the WDM Chamber. “It’s powerful to see the impact this program has had on graduates, businesses and the West Des Moines community for the past 17 years. We can’t wait to see the ripple effect this year’s class will create across the region and beyond.”
 
The selected leaders for the West Des Moines Leadership Academy Class of 2025-2026 include:
 
Janel Allison, Athene
Katie Bertness, Merkle Retirement Planning
Emma Brock, Eide Bailly, LLP
Piper Brodsack, Indigo Living
Toshia Burrell, Redefine & Reveal Massage Therapy & Bodywork LLC
Julie Burtnette, Des Moines Children's Museum
Bill Butters, Wellabe
Davis Carlson, Perficut
Blake Dabney, West Bank
Brian Detrick, Signal of Des Moines
Ryan Drake, Local 5 News ABC
Laurel Feakes, NCMIC Insurance
Michelle Flattery, Great Outdoors Foundation
Christina Gayman, Syverson Strege
Bryan Geelan, West Des Moines Community Schools
Traci Glass, West Des Moines Public Library
Evan Guest, Guest Strategies
Brett Guy, Northwest Bank
Jennifer Hahn, Youth Justice Initiative 
Anna Heroux, Highmark Senior Living
Brandon Hufford, West Des Moines Fire Department
Dr. Erlin Kakkanad, Principal Financial Group
Drew Kneeskern, IMT Insurance
Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, Caracas Language Solutions LLC
Mary McCarthy, Employee & Family Resources
Claire Michel, Holmes Murphy
Kristen Mott, Private Wealth Asset Management
Kyle Nielsen, Merchants Bonding Company
William Rings, Rings Law, PLC
Nathan Rupprecht, R&R Realty Group
Kristina Sharp, Iowa Realty
Clint Sloss, Hubbell Realty Company
Alex Stork, Hurd Real Estate
Gina Swanson, Gina Swanson - Century 21
Tyler Timko, EDEN+ Fundraising Consulting
Eric Tubbs, Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
Alyss Vernon, Olson-Larsen Galleries
Jessica Verwers, Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines
Cal Wagner, University of Iowa Tippie College of Business
Jenna Wheeler, Dentons Davis Brown PC
Austin Whetstone, Farmers Mutual Hail
Jami Yoder, Sammons Financial Group
 
WDMLA is supported by its presenting sponsor, NCMIC, and is led by the Alumni Advisory Committee, chaired by Pat Desenberg. To learn more about the program or the alumni volunteers, visit WDMchamber.org/WDMLA.
 
Interested in applying for a future year of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy? Watch the Chamber’s events calendar for an informational session held each winter.
 

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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 900 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org