
Class of 2025–2026 | Applications Open Now Through May 23rd
Apply Now!
What is Grimes Leadership Academy?
Develop the Leader Within.
Grimes Leadership Academy (GLA) is a premier 9-month leadership experience designed for individuals who live, work, or serve in the Grimes area. Participants gain tools to grow as leaders in their workplaces and communities — while forming deep connections with others who share that same drive.
Why Join?
Leadership That Makes a Difference
GLA uses Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead as a foundation, helping participants:
- Lead with courage and authenticity
- Communicate more effectively
- Build trust and strong team dynamics
- Navigate conflict with empathy
- Create values-driven, inclusive cultures
Personal Growth and Coaching
Participants complete an Enneagram assessment and receive one-on-one coaching from expert coach Erin Lego of Erin Lego Coaching to better understand themselves and how they relate to others.
Local Knowledge, Real-World Impact
Through monthly themed sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of Grimes — its history, economy, civic structure, and culture — and put leadership into practice through a group project that benefits the community.
Expand Your Network
With more than 75 hours of engagement, participants connect with peers, business leaders, and decision-makers — building relationships that last beyond the program.
Investment
Tuition: $1,400
Includes materials, meals, assessments, and professional coaching
Scholarship assistance available for nonprofit applicants
Built for Busy Professionals
Program runs September through May
One full-day session per month (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Plus group project time outside of sessions
Topics include:
- Civic Engagement & Local Government
- Agriculture, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Economic Development & Finance
- Community Culture, Arts, & Media
- Regional Collaboration & Innovation
For Employers
GLA is a smart investment in leadership development. Graduates return to their organizations with:
- Stronger communication and collaboration skills
- A greater sense of purpose and accountability
- Community insights and valuable local relationships
- Motivation to lead with integrity and impact
Inaugural Class Success
The first GLA class (2023–2024) was a diverse group of professionals from across Grimes. Their group project created a lasting positive impact and helped set the standard for future cohorts. Many have taken on expanded leadership roles in their organizations and the community since graduating.

What Alumni Are Saying
"Time flies as a participant of GLA and the networking bonds I made with other class-mates, leaders and business owners within Grimes is a one-of-a-kind experience that will stay with me forever. I learned additional leadership skills and was able to work amongst my classmates each month on day to day challenges of being a leader and how to successfully overcome those challenges. Learning about what makes the community of Grimes thrive was also fascinating! Participating in GLA turned into an investment in myself and left me with friendships that I'll never forget!"
— Rhiannon Thompson, Aureon, Inaugural Class Member, 2023–2024
“The Grimes Leadership Academy provided me with the opportunity to grow as a professional alongside other like-minded people. The knowledge and connections that I gained through the whole experience is invaluable."
— Andy Stoecken, Septagon Construction, Inaugural Class Member, 2023–2024
Ready to Lead?
Applications are now open for the Class of 2025–2026.
Spots are limited — don’t wait.
Thank You to these Generous Chamber Member Sponsors!
Halsey Altringer, Grimes Chamber
Jake Anderson, City of Grimes
Tom Armstrong, Rainbow of the Heartland
Brian Buethe, Grimes Chamber
Ben Butzke, Butzke Burch Construction
Scott Carpenter, Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping
Aaron Chittenden, DMACC Business Resources
Clint Dudley, Shade Tree Auto
Erin Huiatt, Des Moines Parent
Erin Lego, Erin Lego Coaching
Katie Lord, City of Grimes
Alissa McMillen, United Services
Greg Means, Bankers Trust
John Palmer, Christian Brothers Automotive
Justin Perry, MMIT