Mission
The purpose of the Ankeny Leadership Institute is to enhance the personal leadership skills of participants, increase their insight on issues facing our community and inspire participants to become involved in community leadership roles.
Vision
At the Ankeny Leadership Institute, our vision is to create a strong, vibrant Ankeny through outstanding leadership. Our comprehensive leadership program provides the essential elements that make this possible.
This is carried out through a cooperative partnership between the City of Ankeny, The Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ankeny Business and Industry Collaborative. Through the efforts and support of these organizations, we are pleased to offer a powerful program to the future leaders of Ankeny.
Program Coordination
Ankeny Leadership Institute is led by a dynamic team of professional facilitators. The facilitators bring extensive leadership development, business development and community experience to the program. Sponsoring organizations include Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Ankeny Business and Industry Collaborative and the City of Ankeny.
Programs Sub-Committee
Sara Wilson, Chair (ALI ’20)
Foundation Director
On With Life
Stuart Spencer (ALI ’24)
Human Resource Manager
Accumold
Jennifer Walter (ALI ’10)
VP & Private Banking Manager
First National Bank
Mitch Van Kley (ALI’20)
VP, Finance & Accounting
Iowa Bankers Association
Trevor Perez (ALI ’22)
Director of Operations
Magee’s Irish Pub and Eatery/ ColdStone Cremery / Rocky Mountain Chocolate Co.
Megan Crawford (ALI ’25)
Human Resources
Kreg Tool
Jake Sheets (ALI ’25)
Civil Engineer
Snyder & Associates
Eric Brown (ALI ’25)
Associate Professor / Associate Chair
Iowa State University
Mark Hermosillo (ALI ’25)
Sale Manager
Karl Automotive
Steering Committee
The Institute is governed by a steering committee consisting of key stakeholders from the city, chamber, economic development, education system and business community, and alumni.
Karee Vernon, Chair (ALI ’24)
VP, Human Resources
Kreg Tool
Lindsay Fox (ALI ’15)
Administrative Assistant, Economic Development
City of Ankeny
Kim Schaaf (ALI ’10)
Executive Director
Ankeny Business & Industry Collaborative
Diane Weber (ALI ‘ 24)
Director of Events and Communications
Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
Blake Campbell
Senior Director, Leadership
Best Buddies International
Jodie Graham
Ankeny Community School District
Zack Smith (ALI ’24)
Commercial Banker
Community State Bank
Jennifer Walter (ALI ’10)
VP & Private Banking Manager
First National Bank
Trent Murphy
Founder, CEO
Murphy Enterprizes/Murphy Family Foundation
Stuart Spencer (ALI ’24)
Human Resource Manager
Accumold
Mitch Van Kley (ALI’20)
VP, Finance & Accounting
Iowa Bankers Association
Sara Wilson, Chair (ALI ’20)
Foundation Director
On With Life
Trevor Perez (ALI ’22)
Director of Operations
Magee’s Irish Pub and Eatery/ ColdStone Cremery / Rocky Mountain Chocolate Co.
Jason Kiesau
Social Intelligence Consultant
TRACOM Group
Outreach Sub-Committee
Kim Schaaf, Chair (ALI ’10)
Executive Director
Ankeny Business & Industry Collaborative
Jodie Graham
Ankeny Community School District
Trent Murphy
Founder, CEO
Murphy Enterprizes/Murphy Family Foundation
Marketing Sub-Committee
Lindsay Fox (ALI ’15)
Administrative Assistant, Economic Development
City of Ankeny
Diane Weber (ALI ‘ 24)
Director of Events and Communications
Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
Program Consultants
Blake Campbell
Senior Director, Leadership
Best Buddies International
Jason Kiesau
Social Intelligence Consultant
TRACOM Group
Ready to Get Started?
Learn more about the program that is growing and developing professionals in Ankeny, and how YOU can be a part of the next class of Emerging Leaders.





