The Leadership Class is currently full for the 2025 year.
Please email Annie Lallier to be put on the list for information for the 2026 session.

Designed to foster industry leaders, the 2025 IGIA Leadership Institute delivers an extensive program targeting promising leaders and giving them the education and training they need to lead our industry now and in the future.

The IGIA Leadership Institute is limited to only 24 industry leaders so participants must commit to and attend at least three out of the four sessions to be eligible for participation and to be a recognized graduate.

​IGIA leadership graduates will be recognized at the 2025 IGIA Convention, September 18 in Coralville. A complimentary convention registration will be provided for each graduate and their spouse/guest.

Sponsored by SHAZAM, this year’s Leadership Institute consists of four one-day sessions delivering an outstanding lineup of topics and presenters.

Details

​Time: Sessions run 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Locations:
Session 1: IGIA Office, 2540 106th St Suite 102, Urbandale, IA
Session 2: Iowa Motor Truck Association, 717 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Session 3: IGIA Office
Session 4: IGIA Office
Cost: $499/person (includes snacks, beverages and lunches)
Register by: Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 (Space is limited to 24 participants.) FULL FOR 2025
​Questions: Contact Annie Lallier, [email protected].

Session 1: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Session includes a focus on leadership with presentations on “Leading Forward” and how to build stronger teams with emotional intelligence by Celina Peerman. It also includes a leadership panel consisting of IGIA executive committee members.

Session 2: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Get an inside look at the industry’s legislative landscape during this session. It includes a government relations industry panel, Capitol tour and legislative leader meetings.

​Session 3: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Focused on communication, this session includes working sessions with Ronee Andersen in her "No One Communicates Around Here!" presentation. Make good communication a habit, and learn how to be a good listener for life!

Session 4: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Session includes a service project at the Iowa Food Bank and a keynote on “The Relationship Era” by Bill Withers. The presentation addresses how there has never been a time in recent history when quality customer service and effective stakeholder relations are at more of a premium, especially when technology is driving such significant change.

---

About Our Speakers

​Dr. Celina Peerman
Dr. Celina Peerman serves as an organizational behavior specialist with over 25 years of experience from frontline to senior-level positions, in a wide range of industries and organizations. She is passionate about engaging human resources in new ways to achieve better organizational results. Celina has led successful workshops and designed training for a variety of professions. She has presented at numerous conferences for local, state and national audiences. Her work in Southeast Asia, Canada and Central America provided additional operations experience, further developing her strong international interests.

​Ronee Andersen
Ronee Andersen is a catalyst in leadership, organizational development and employee growth. With an MBA specializing in Human Resources and certifications from prestigious institutions like Cornell, Stanford, and the University of Michigan, she is not only well-versed in the latest strategies but is also deeply committed to empowering others to excel. Her advanced training in Emotional Intelligence, Strategic HR, Organizational Analysis, and Positive Psychology sets her apart, making her a catalyst for transformation in any organization. Ronee’s expertise isn’t just theoretical; it’s a dynamic force that drives real change, helping teams and leaders reach their full potential. 

​Bill Withers
Dr. Bill Withers is a unique speaker, facilitator, and workshop leader, and his love for “Aloha shirts” is only part of his story! Leadership participants will benefit from his decades of prior business management and leadership experience, which is why he can relate to everyone from Gen Y/Millennials to Boomers and beyond, through all stages of career development.
​Bill has also served many advisory boards and councils over the years, including two terms on the board of directors for Iowa Public Television. He can relate to all levels of organizations, whether larger corporates or smaller non-profits, from ‘the frontlines to the c-suite.
Perhaps the greatest benefit to audiences is Dr. Withers’ research into top-tier organizations, including Hy-Vee, Ritz-Carlton, Disney, Four Seasons, Starbucks, and most recently, Southwest Airlines. In fact, he’s been invited to make similar presentations numerous times at The International Conference on Business in Honolulu where audiences come from 20 different countries, from all around the Pacific Rim, so you’ll learn from the best-of-the-best.
During his academic career, Dr. Withers won both teacher and advisor of the year awards while also contributing to three books in the areas of leadership and customer service. Today he serves on the executive team of Lutheran Church of Hope, the largest mainline protestant church of its type in North America. He continues to serve organizations of all sizes in the areas of public relations, quality customer service, organizational change and leadership development.