About Us
Our Mission
Lead a business-education partnership to develop the leadership skills of Cedar Valley students.
Our Vision
Our students will be prepared to contribute to the success of the Cedar Valley community and its employers.
Our Core Values
Servant Leadership- We believe leadership is for everyone. Through modeling leadership, focusing on strengths, and creating opportunities for others, we empower people who will empower others.
Human Connection- We believe in the power of diverse relationships. Through fostering trust and being a resource for others, we develop sustainable partnerships.
Integrity- We believe authenticity is best and character matters. Through responsible use of community investments and leading by example, we build a reputation of positive impact.
Lifelong Learning- We believe education is an ongoing journey. Through investing in individual and community development, we equip people to change their own lives.
Facilitate Change- We believe challenges are opportunities to improve. Through a flexible response to change, we create better results that ripple into the community.
Leader Valley Staff

Nicole Hackman
Director of Fundraising and Communications
nicole@leadervalley.org
319-404-8048

Shantavia Parker
Coach/Facilitator
shantavia@leadervalley.org
319-504-3466
![Melissa-min[1]](https://leadervalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Melissa-min1.jpg)
Melissa Reade
Executive Director
melissa@leadervalley.org
563-880-4190
Leader Valley Executive Committee
Chair
Bryan Earnest
AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising
Secretary
Kendra Richman
UnityPoint Health
Vice-Chair
Katie Hillyer
Lincoln Savings Bank
At Large
Gina Weekley
Central Rivers Area Education Agency
Treasurer
Gretchen Ogden
US Bank
Past Chair
Matt Meyers
John Deere
Leader Valley Council
De’Carlos Anderson
UNI Talent Search
Kelsey Burke
VGM
Cary Darrah
Grow Cedar Valley
Liz DeJoode
PDCM Insurance
Rob Green
City of Cedar Falls
Dr. Andy Pattee
Cedar Falls Community Schools
Dr. Jared Smith
Waterloo Community Schools
Robert Wright
Waterloo Community Schools
Leader Valley Fundraising Team
Edita Begic
Vine Valley Real Estate- Fundraising Co-Chair
Gwenne Berry
UNI- Fundraising Co-Chair
Nehemiah Blackburn
Tyson Foods
Derek Hamil
CPM
Jennifer Heller
Business Growth Solutions Now
Amy Lockhart
University of Northern Iowa