Ottumwa Leadership Academy is busy preparing for its 2014-2015 academy class. “We are kicking-off our third year of Ottumwa Leadership Academy and couldn’t be more pleased with how the community is embracing our program,” stated Hollie Tometich, Executive Director.
The Academy has accepted 23 participants this year. The first year the Academy had 18 graduates and the second year it had 20 graduates. “We have a great deal of diversity in this year’s class,” stated Tometich. Class make-up includes:
• 48% Female/52% Male
• Age ranges from 24-58 years old
• Living and/or working in Wapello County:
o 17% <1 year
o 35% 1-5 years
o 18% 6-20 years
o 30% 20 – 50 years
• Organizations/Careers include:
o 30% Education
o 23% Manufacturing
o 13% Non-Profit
o 9% Banking
o 9% City Government
o 12% Other (Health Care, Architecture, Financial Planning, & Entertainment)
Not only has the level of participation increased, so has the number of sponsorships. Title Sponsors this year are Cargill Meat Solutions and John Deere Ottumwa Works. Curriculum Sponsor is Indian Hills Community College. Additionally, Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a Session Sponsor and Networking/Luncheon Sponsors include McCune & Reed Insurance, Ottumwa Courier, and St. Ambrose University. Sponsorships are still available for those organizations who still want to partner with Ottumwa Leadership Academy this year.
Located at 113 East Main Street, Ottumwa Leadership Academy underwent a complete renovation last year on the lower level where it hosts most of its classes, alumni events, and other special functions. “Our main area operates as our ‘classroom’ but it doesn’t have the typical classroom feel. It’s set up as a more urban gathering area that has several set-up options based on what we are doing at any given time,” stated Tometich. When they aren’t in session, hosting alumni offerings and other leadership educational opportunities, the building is available for the community as a location for off-site meetings. “We are excited that several organizations such as SCORE, Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce, Cardinal School District, Market on Main Street, and others have used our space for meetings and events.”
