Leadership Siouxland celebrated 40 years of creating community leaders in November 2024.  The Board of Directors hosted an event at the Warrior Hotel, and the crowd had the opportunity to hear from three speakers.  Lynn Swanstrom, one of the organization’s founders, explained the factors that were involved in the program’s creation and her pride that after 40 years, the program is still fulfilling its original mission.  Jim Wharton, a graduate of the very first class, inspired attendees to be present in the moment, recognize and value the good in the community and each other, and always learn and give back.  Amanda Beller, a graduate, former board member, and former executive director, entertained and motivated the crowd with her visual aids that portrayed the skills and traits class participants acquire from participation.

Leadership Siouxland is blessed with the support of the Siouxland Chamber, numerous businesses and non-profit organizations within the Siouxland community, local media, and current and past participants.

The current class of 2024-2025 will graduate in May.  I have been honored to serve as executive director since 2017 and announced my retirement in June.  This class will be the eighth and final class I will have had the opportunity to work with, and I have appreciated every class member.  Serving as the executive director of this great organization has been a great joy – I have learned so much and gained great friends in the process.  

It is exciting to turn over the reins to someone new who will have the chance to enhance this program and make it even better.  New ideas and new perspectives are welcome, and I can’t wait to see how the program will continue to evolve.  The core mission will remain to develop passionate, diverse leaders and inspire them to contribute to our community.

All the classes I have led know that I love quotes!  As I look forward to more time with my family and reflect on the last eight years, I want to leave you with some of my favorite quotes:

“Leadership is not about being in charge.  Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.  When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” – Paulo Coelho

“Joy props us up through all life’s moments and provides the hope we need to keep going.” – Lisa Even

By Peggy Smith, the Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland since 2017, and enjoying every minute. This program has added value to the community for more than 40 years and continues to do so!