Greater Iowa City, Inc. has partnered with the University of Iowa’s Tippie Leadership Collaborative to host the 2025 Executive Leadership Program (ELP).
The program offers an “immersive deep-dive into today’s most pressing leadership challenges, giving them the tools to successfully lead and grow their organizations,” as stated on the Greater IC website. The first ELP was held in 2023.
The 2025 ELP cohort consists of 15 local leaders and area executives:
- Marcelo Aruani — Senior Associate at Emergent Architecture in Cedar Rapids
- Sara Barth — Director of Support Services at CommUnity Crisis Services
- Brian Boelk — Co-founder, Executive and Civil Services Team Leader at Axiom Consultants, LLC
- Ian Cawley — Executive Director at Houses into Homes in Coralville
- Jill De Young — Senior Vice President, Director of Administration at Hills Bank
- Amber Jedlicka — Director of Health Services/Administrator for Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City
- Nick Kaeding — Senior VP of Finance & Administration at Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Area Sports Commission
- Cindy Meis — Director of Tippie Undergraduate Career Services at the University of Iowa
- Jillian Miller — Assistant Community Relations Director for the City of North Liberty
- Ben Muhlenbruch — Director of Product Management at CCR Technologies
- Leslie Prideaux — Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement
- Hillary Ramaker — Director of Administrative Operations at Tippie College of Business
- Juli Seydell Johnson — Director of Parks and Recreation for Iowa City
- Travis Tittle — Senior Manager of SAP Applications at Integrated DNA Technologies in Coralville
- Michael Villhauer — Partner and Senior Project Manager at Build to Suit, Inc.
This year’s program includes four full-day workshops from February to May. The cohort-style format aims to foster collaboration and shared insights among participants.
The 2025 program includes sessions led by nationally recognized instructors on topics such as:
- Leading a Diverse Workforce, with Ken Brown (Feb. 21)
- Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent, with Emily Campion (Mar. 28)
- Fostering Engagement and Well-Being, with Steve Courtright (Apr. 25)
- Leading Strategic Change, with Jennifer Nahrgang (May 16)
