IOWA WATER INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

2024 applications are due April 26!

The Leadership Institute is strategically crafted to provide a forum for new and emerging water industry leaders to build their personal leadership style and skills by offering a balanced blend of discussion-oriented presentations and experienced-based, hands-on skill-building. What makes the Iowa Water Industry Leadership Institute distinctive is that the curriculum has been customized to the unique leadership demands of Iowa's water professions.

There is a clear need for high-quality leadership throughout all segments of the water industry in Iowa. Too often, individuals are promoted based on their leadership potential and are left to develop their leadership skills on their own. This program is specifically tailored to provide the next generation of industry leaders with a framework to grow their own unique leadership vision and style.

The Leadership Institute provides an unparalleled peer-to-peer networking opportunity with both current and future industry leaders. Participants have a chance to hear firsthand from current and past leaders from around the state who will share their personal leadership journeys and philosophies. A key element of the course is the interaction among the participants as they discuss and debate the many challenges and opportunities facing leaders in today’s water profession.

Cohort members who attend all sessions are eligible to claim 19 hours of continuing education credit that can be claimed in Water Treatment or Water Distribution, or 15 hours that can be claimed in Wastewater Treatment (or a combination of WT, WD and WW). Licensed engineers can claim approximately 30 Professional Development Hours that includes professional ethics. Since the first day of the Iowa Section AWWA Annual Conference is included with your Institute registration, additional CEU’s can be earned through the conference.

Ideal Participant

The course is targeted at individuals who have at least five years of experience in some segment of the drinking water or waste water industry. The most successful participants will have recently become a formal leader or aspire to be in a formal leadership role within the next few years. The program has been designed to provide value to leaders in utilities, consulting firms, manufacturing and sales companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Topics Covered

  • The Importance of a Solid Leadership Foundation
  • Effectively Leading Teams
  • Handling Difficult Discussions
  • Public Relations Strategies
  • Leadership Ethics in the Water Profession
  • The Leaders Role in DEI
  • Building a Desirable Organizational Culture

Program Format & Schedule

The program consists of two back-to-back sessions in May, then one session each month from June through September.  The Institute wraps up with two consecutive days in October including presentations given by the Institute cohort at the Iowa Section-AWWA’s Annual Conference.  Each session involves short presentations by subject matter experts from around the state, with an emphasis on engaged interactions among the program attendees.  Advance work may be required ahead of each session to allow the time together to be as productive as possible.  With the exception of the final presentations, all sessions will be fairly informal; business casual attire is appropriate.

Attendees are expected to attend every session:

  • May 22-23, Ames: Leadership Foundations & Effectively Leading Teams
  • June 26, Des Moines: Handling Difficult Discussions
  • July 23, Rathbun: Leadership Ethics / Leadership Roundtable
  • August 20, Johnston: Public Relations
  • September 25, West Des Moines: Personal Leadership / DEI
  • October 23, North Liberty: Organizational Culture / Wrap up
  • October 24, Coralville: Conference / Ethics Presentations

Ready to Apply?

Download, complete, and return the 2024 Iowa Water Industry Leadership Institute Flyer and Application Form by Friday, April 26, 2024.

Questions?

For more information, contact:

John Dunn, P.E., MBA
Chair, Management Committee
515-239-5150
[email protected]