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
Hailee Merryman
Special Projects Assistant
hailee@leadervalley.org
319-232-1156
Shantavia Parker
Coach/Facilitator
shantavia@leadervalley.org
319-504-3466
Melissa Reade
Executive Director
melissa@leadervalley.org
563-880-4190
Leader Valley Executive Committee
Chair
Katie Hillyer
Wayne Communications
Secretary
Kendra Richman
UnityPoint Health
Vice-Chair
Jamekia Sanders
Women’s Center for Change
At-Large
Aaron Jarnagin
Past Chair
Bryan Earnest
AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising
Treasurer
Gretchen Ogden
US Bank
At-Large
Gina Weekley
Waterloo Community School District
Leader Valley Council
Rachel Breuer
Cardinal Construction
Carolina Coronado-Park
UNI International Studies
Josh Halverson
John Deere
Shanlee McNally
RJ McElroy Trust
Selvedina Nuhanovic
Vine Valley Real Estate
Dr. Jared Smith
Waterloo Community School
Kelsey Burke
VGM
Liz DeJoode
PDCM Insurance
Emily Knutson
Hawkeye Community College
Kathryn Malek
Columbus Catholic High School
Dr. Andy Pattee
Cedar Falls Community Schools
Kim Cross
Retired Cedar Falls Principal
Stephanie Detweiler
Grow Cedar Valley
Danny Laudick
Mayor of Cedar Falls
Tom Novotney
Cedar Valley Catholic Schools
Jay Schmitz
Viking Pump
Nia Wilder
Waterloo City Council
Juan Villa
Veridian Credit Union