The Ottumwa Leadership Academy now has 114 graduates of the program and is looking forward to the next Academy year – bringing with it a new Dean for the 2018-2019 class. Rhonda Conrad will take this important lead role of Dean. This volunteer position collaborates with the Curriculum Committee of the Advisory Board and the Executive Director to review, evaluate and improve the curriculum for the year in addition to helping facilitate the monthly sessions.
Conrad who held the Executive Director role for the Indian Hills Community College Foundation for 7 years prior to her retirement, spent most of her career at the college. She was IHCC Development Director for 5 years and was also a Business & Communications Instructor for 15 years. Her love of IHCC and giving back to those who attend is one of the reasons she can’t help but be a writing tutor part-time at IHCC during her retirement.
You will also find Conrad being active in the community as a member of the Ottumwa Hy-Noon Kiwanis, member and finance council person for St. Mary’s Catholic Church, member of the Fortnightly Ladies group and likely her favorite volunteer time is babysitting her grandchildren. Rhonda has been married to Kelly Conrad for 37 years. Together they have three grown daughters – Erin, Katie, and Abby (O.L.A. Graduate 2013) – and 5 grandchildren.
In addition to her personal accomplishments, she is known for ability to connect with others in regards to philanthropy. She along with her team grew IHCC Foundation’s assets from $19.5 million to more that $26 million, she organized annual giving campaigns at IHCC that yielded $50,000 to $60,000 for student scholarships and had 100 percent staff participation from 2005 to 2014, and has worked with several 100 women from the Wapello County area in funding more than $70,000 in perpetual scholarships for local women attending IHCC.
“I look forward to working with the next year’s class of Ottumwa Leadership Academy,” stated Conrad. “I have been in leadership roles for most of my career and I look forward to learning and leading alongside of next year’s participants.”
To be considered for next year’s class, those interested must fill out an application and submit it by June 29, 2018. In order to qualify for the Academy, those interested must live and/or work in Wapello County, fill out an application, and submit it by June 29, 2018. A tuition of $950 can either be paid by an individual or a sponsoring organization – typically where the participant works. “We are very fortunate to have 3 scholarships available for next year’s class for those who come from small organizations or nonprofits that don’t have funds in their budgets,” stated Hollie Tometich, Executive Director of Ottumwa Leadership Academy. “We have the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship as well as 2 Alumni Association Scholarships.”
