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We are now recruiting for the Leadership Northwest Missouri Class of 2026! Leadership today is more demanding than ever. Apply now to amplify your impact in your community, family, and career. Join us as we prepare for a transformative year of high-quality training and powerful regional networking that shapes not just leaders, but communities.

Leadership Northwest Missouri is an exciting leadership development opportunity. It brings together participants from throughout a 19-county region to hone their leadership skills, explore regional issues and gain a network of contacts throughout the region. 

The 2026 class will commence on January 21 and 22 with a two-day retreat at Conception Abbey. Dr. Tim Crowley, a nationally known speaker on leadership development, will facilitate all of our sessions. The class will continue through June with monthly sessions throughout the region and two additional Zoom sessions for class project planning. Each session will include instruction on various leadership core practices, in depth examination of various issues facing the region and hands-on experiential exercises. 2026 Recruitment Brochure

With the assistance of program sponsorships, we are able to keep tuition affordable at $1,000. This includes one night of lodging at the Abbey, all session meals and class materials. In addition, we guarantee at least two openings per county, so that all areas, no matter the size, have equal chance to participate.

Click here for the 2026 Class Application and the partial Scholarship Application.

All class session dates are listed on the application. If you have any questions, please contact: leadershipnorthwestmissouri@gmail.com

The application deadline is November 1, 2025. (Fully completed applications will assist in the selection process, especially when there is more than one person applying from a specific county.) Space is limited. 

Participants From 2025 Share Their Thoughts:

“Leadership Northwest was a life-changing experience for me! The program challenged me to expand my thinking and blessed me with amazing friendships and an incredible network of like-minded leaders looking to make a difference. I can’t quite find the words to express the impact that this journey has had on my life, both personally and professionally, but I can confidently say that it helped me rediscover my voice, my value and made me strive to be an all-around better wife, mom, leader and coworker.” Shelbie Alexander, Linn County


“Leadership Northwest Missouri is an outstanding program for individuals seeking to develop leadership skills while giving back to their communities in meaningful ways.  As a participant, I got to experience the diverse communities and economies that drive Northwest Missouri, and it has given me valuable insight and practical tools to improve my local area.  Honestly, one of the biggest benefits is the relationships built during the course, and I know those will last long after the program ends.” Mike Hill, DeKalb County

Benefits…

Leadership Northwest Missouri will:

  • Provide high quality training to enhance leadership skills
  • Give you the opportunity for in-depth discussions regarding issues facing our region
  • Enhance your ability to look at issues/opportunities in a regional context
  • Identify avenues for active participation at the local and regional level
  • Create a network of regional contacts
  • Provide opportunities to participate in regional class projects
  • Grant Professional Development Hours (60) at no additional cost

Criteria for Selection

Leadership-Northwest-County-Map3

Participants will be selected based on their desire to become a more effective leader in the region. Leadership Northwest Missouri recognizes the strength of diversity and will strive for a diverse class composition. Our region is defined as the following 19 counties: Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Sullivan and Worth. Each county will be guaranteed one class spot. (If a qualified application is not received from a county, the unused space will be available to anyone within the region.) Applicants will be selected based on the county in which they reside or work. The Selection Committee reserves the right to review and select applicants from outside the defined region.

Time Commitment and 2026 Class Dates

Classes will meet monthly beginning with a two-day retreat on January 21 and 22. They will continue at locations throughout the region on February 19, March 19, April 16, May 14, June 4 and June 18. Graduation will take place the evening of July 16.

Regular classes begin at 9am and adjourn by 4pm.  There will be required evening activities on January 22.

There will be two required Zoom sessions for Class Project Planning on April 23 and May 21 from 4pm-5pm.

Mission Statement

We build, strengthen, and inspire leaders through training and networking experiences.

Vision Statement

We envision thriving communities and dynamic leaders.