Leila Disburg, Pastor of Willard Street United Methodist Church, has been named the first recipient of the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship for Ottumwa Leadership Academy. “I am excited to be a part of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy and the recipient of this year’s scholarship,” stated Disburg. “Learning more about Ottumwa and Wapello County will help to broaden my understanding of the needs of the community and the services available. I believe this will also broaden my connections as I meet my class and hear from community leaders.”
This scholarship is for one year’s tuition for a participant from a non-profit organization or small business that might not otherwise be able to send someone through the 10 month program. In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicants were required to answer three essay questions regarding prior community involvement through volunteering, their intentions upon graduating as to what initiatives/organizations in which they want to invest their time, and a personal assessment of their current leadership skills.
Andy Hansen was Plant Manager at John Deere Ottumwa Works from 2010-2013. While in Ottumwa, Andy personally provided leadership while encouraging others to step into leadership roles. He demonstrated his leadership through volunteerism and was part of the following boards: Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Wapello County, Ottumwa Airport Advisory, Indian Hills Community College Leadership Advisory & Local Advisory Councils.
“Following Andy’s tenure, Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation wanted to honor Andy’s dedication to the betterment of the Ottumwa community,” stated Brad Little, CEO of ORLF. “We felt by creating the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship, we were able to do just that.”
“I am honored by the Foundation’s gesture,” stated Hansen. “Every application was very well done and I believe that each applicant would benefit personally and would benefit Ottumwa from attending the Leadership Academy. After carefully reviewing the applications, I concluded that Leila Disburg would be a great recipient!”
