Iron Leaders Academy
A professional advantage experience for leaders and changemakers in Iron County
Now more than ever before, we are looking to leaders who can champion progress and cultivate unity within our community. Iron Leaders Academy, presented by Southern Utah University’s Leadership Institute, provides opportunities for personal and professional growth among emerging and established leaders in Iron County through a high-impact, nine-month training schedule. Participants will gain foundational knowledge and experience to contribute to positive change in the region. While experiencing a unique opportunity to connect with many diverse groups and organizations, members will foster high-level introductions and connections.
Academy Timeline
July
Selection
SEPTEMBER
Retreat - Sept 10, 2025
Impact Labs
Monthly on Second Wednesday
May
Graduation
ILA Impact Labs
Held on one full day each month, ILA Impact Labs are designed to unite elected officials, economic developers and other civic-minded leaders to provide an understanding of current and complex issues critical to leading Iron County into the future. Impact Labs are built around a different theme each month and include retreats, behind-the-scenes tours and meetings, guest lunches and VIP dinners, an excursion to Utah’s Capitol Hill, and university-sponsored training for strengthening the leader within.
Monthly events with the following themes:
-
September: Retreat
- October: One Utah Summit
- November: Service
- December: Education
- January: Health & Wellness
- February: Government Day at Utah’s State Capitol
- March: Growth & Development
- April: Parks, Recreation and Tourism
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May: Arts, Culture, & Belonging and Graduation
Membership
Membership applications are due July 17, 2025 at midnight and scholarships are available.
Membership Includes
| Benefit | $4,000 Value |
|---|---|
| Welcome Retreat | |
| Impact Lab transportation and lunch | |
| Excursion to Utah’s Capitol Hill | |
| Ticket to fall One Utah Summit | |
| SUU Institutional Certificate | |
| Academy Gear |
Trevor Andersen, Michael Bleak, Brad Buhanan, Tiffiney Christiansen, Spencer Douglas, Debbie Drak, Maile Wilson-Edwards, Kevin Garrett, Mollie Halterman, Dan Jessen, Alecia Jones, Giani Julander, Jessica Kinsey, Paul Monroe, James Mullenaux, Steve Nelson, Jay Orton, Shane Parashonts, Melinda Pfundstein, Danny Stewart, Paul Terry, Michelle Tullis, Dayla Ulrich, John Westwood, and Kevin Wright
Joni Anderson, Justin Barlow, Justin Barnes, Brennon Bauer, Gabrielle Costello, Mari Eddy, Brittany Fisher, Gail Goodman, Mike Green, Tricia Harris, Lisa Jensen, Lauren Lewis, Neal Mason, Jorie Matheson, LaTosha Mayo, Julie Padilla, Megen Ralphs, ReAnne Reimschussel, Katherine Ross, Bobby Rowser, Ryan Talbot, Maria Twitchell, and Jason Vanderhoven
Alain Bergeron, Alvin Oldem, Andrew Losee, Ashleigh Zimmerman, Brendon Larson, Brooke Twitchell, Carter Wilkey, Daniel Strand, David Jacobson, Devin Passey, Geoffrey Chesnut, Greyson Jones, Jeanette Bustos, Jed Sudweeks, Jeff Kelley, Jenifer Terry, Jennifer Shoemaker, Jenny Vossler, Jeremy Waite, Justin McArthur, Karyn Keanaaina, Kathleen Gonder, Kaylee Pickering, Keitti Jake, Kris Bahr, Michael Roberts, Monica Torres, Rebekah Lowery, Tyler Melling, Robbie Vickers
Kevin Callister, Rene Cole, Spencer Douglas, Stephen Lisonbee, Steve Nelson, Shane Parashonts, Melinda Pfundstein, Michelle Tullis, David Westwood and Brennan Wood
Hosted by Southern Utah University Professional and Workforce Development
For more information contact Iron Leaders Academy program director Tanner Vario at (435) 865-8482 or tannervario@suu.edu.