The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has unveiled its 2026 Executive Class for the Leadership for Five Seasons (LFS) program, a selective nine-month leadership development initiative offered biennially to recently relocated or newly appointed executives in the Cedar Rapids area. Participation is limited to eight individuals per cohort.\n\nThe program is designed to immerse participants in the region’s business landscape, civic institutions, cultural offerings, and community resources. Organizers say it helps leaders build professional relationships and deepen their integration into the local environment.\n\nRebecca Sullens, program manager at the Economic Alliance, explained that LFS focuses on fostering lasting connections between leaders and community organizations. She described the incoming class as embodying the caliber of leadership essential for the city’s continued growth.\n\nMembers of the 2026 cohort are: Juliet Abdel, President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance; Eric Marshall, CEO of Orchestra Iowa; Carrie Mardorf, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Cedar Rapids; Katie Oatsvall, President & CEO of Horizons; John Ooms, Director of Manufacturing at Sub Zero Group; Jen Parker, Vice President – Community Engagement at Hills Bank and Trust Company; Matt Rathje, Chief Operations Officer at TrueNorth Companies LLC; and Martina Schubert, Chief Information Officer at Van Meter Inc.\n\nIndividuals interested in learning more about the Leadership for Five Seasons programs or nominating candidates for future sessions can reach out to Rebecca Sullens at [email protected].\n— news from Corridor Business Journal\n\n— News Original —\nCedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance announces 2026 LFS Executive Class\nThe Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has announced its 2026 Executive Class of Leadership for Five Seasons (LFS). \n\nAccording to a news release, the Executive Class is only offered every other year, and is an exclusive, 9-month program designed for recently relocated or newly appointed executives in the Cedar Rapids Region. Each class has a maximum of 8 participants. \n\nThroughout the program, participants are introduced to business and civic leaders, economic opportunities, and cultural and community assets. According to the release, the experience helps executives expand their professional networks and strengthen their sense of belonging in their new home. \n\n”Leadership for Five Seasons is about creating meaningful connections with individuals and organizations in the community that last well beyond the program,” said Rebecca Sullens, program manager of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance in a statement. “This year’s Executive Class represents the type of talent and leadership that will continue to make Cedar Rapids thrive.” \n\nThe 2026 Executive Class includes: \n\nJuliet Abdel, President & CEO, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance \n\nEric Marshall, CEO, Orchestra Iowa \n\nCarrie Mardorf, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Cedar Rapids \n\nKatie Oatsvall, President & CEO, Horizons \n\nJohn Ooms, Director of Manufacturing, Sub Zero Group \n\nJen Parker, Vice President – Community Engagement, Hills Bank and Trust Company \n\nMatt Rathje, Chief Operations Officer, TrueNorth Companies LLC \n\nMartina Schubert, Chief Information Officer, Van Meter Inc. \n\nThose interested in learning more about any of the Leadership for Five Seasons programs or nominating someone for an upcoming class, may contact Rebecca Sullens at the Economic Alliance at [email protected].
