Community Leadership Program (CLP) Announces 2025-2026 Cohort

Posted August 22, 2025

Greater Iowa City, Inc.’s premier leadership program was created in 1990 to foster informed, well-equipped, invested leaders. Through the program’s life, more than 800 current and future leaders have gained insight into the issues, opportunities, strengths, and challenges within our community. Greater IC is proud to announce the 2025-2026 CLP cohort and launch another year of leadership development.

Abbi Cobb

Bio

Abbi Cobb is the Outreach & Access Coordinator for the City of North Liberty, where she coordinates civil rights complaint investigations and disability accommodations, oversees programs such as North Liberty Youth Council and Neighborhood Ambassadors, and serves as the liaison between the city and local social service agencies to support nonprofit work in North Liberty. Prior to her current position, Abbi led investigations into discrimination allegations and resolved civil rights disputes by mediating open cases between aggrieved parties and respondents. She began her professional career as a paralegal with Iowa Legal Aid, where she managed the statewide criminal record expungement project focused on reducing barriers to employment, housing, and education for low-income Iowans. Other professional experience includes public health and criminal legal research, and case management at Shelter House, providing crisis intervention and holistic support to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. With a background in legal advocacy, social service, and research, Abbi brings a multidisciplinary approach to advancing access and improving individual and community stability.

Anthony Detwiler

Bio

Anthony Detwiler is a dedicated law enforcement professional who serves as the Community Relations Officer with the Coralville Police Department. A resident of the Johnson County area for the past five years, he is invested in the safety and well-being of his community. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife, their son, and the family's two dogs.

Ashley Black

Bio

Ashley Black is a proud Eastern Iowa native who brings nearly two decades of financial expertise to her role as a Commercial Relationship Manager at Corda Credit Union. She is a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a degree in Financial Management and has been helping individuals and businesses since 2007. Passionate about community impact, Ashley serves as both treasurer and finance chair on the board of Feed Iowa First, a nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity through sustainable agriculture. When she’s not crunching numbers or building commercial partnerships, you’ll likely find her adventuring with her husband, Justin, chasing after their two energetic boys, Atticus and Sullivan, or enjoying a walk with Bruce, their lovable Bernese Mountain Dog.

Bryan Garter

Bio

Bryan Garter is the Director of Operations for University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center North Liberty. He has spent the last two years focused on the operational planning initiatives to help open this new facility for the community earlier this year. Bryan received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health administration and public health from the University of Iowa. He started his career in the Quad Cities before moving back to Iowa City nearly four years ago. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys checking out the many community festivals and events in the area, traveling, home improvement projects, cooking, and cheering on the Hawkeyes with his wife and two kids.

Byanca Pruitt

Bio

Byanca Pruitt (she/they/he) is the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement at Willowwind School, an independent elementary school focused on self-directed learning minutes from downtown Iowa City. She leads internal communications, marketing initiatives, builds partnerships, and organizes events that strengthen connections between the school and the community. Byanca enjoys collaborating with others who share their passion for education and community engagement, and they are excited to exchange ideas with local leaders. Outside of work, he loves exploring cultural landmarks, reading, gaming, and pursuing arts and crafts projects.

Courtney Davidhizar

Bio

Courtney Davidhizar, the Senior Project Manager at Resilient Sustainable Future for Iowa City, works to connect neighbors to help increase belief in neighborhood value and support community driven projects. A running thread throughout her work is the desire to bring people together and build authentic community. In her free time she and her wife run a small business, Odd Luck, selling curated salvaged vintage and running a mobile coffee cart.

Dawn Lyons

Bio

Dawn Lyons is Vice President, Regional Manager at Hills Bank. She joined the bank in 2006 and currently manages the Iowa City and Coralville branches. Dawn is a graduate from the University of Iowa and has lived in Iowa City for over 20 years. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband Tim and their daughter Maeve. As a family they enjoy traveling, painting and gaming.

Debbie Brownson

Bio

Debbie Brownson has been practicing law for over 20 years, with the majority of her career spent as in-house legal counsel at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. Debbie values her role because it allows her to directly support the University of Iowa’s mission through fundraising efforts that benefit students, faculty, research, and health care. A long-time resident of Iowa City, Debbie first came to the university as a student—receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as her Juris Doctor. Debbie has two grown daughters who are both pursuing their educational goals and is proud to continue to call Iowa City home.

Jaime Watts

Bio

Jaime Watts is an Iowa City native, who returned to the area in 2018. She practices civil litigation as an attorney at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll and also serves on the boards of the Riverside Theatre and Community Foundation of Johnson County. When not working, Jaime spends all of her time desperately trying to entertain her dog Ruthie, usually to no avail.

Jessica Andino

Bio

Jessica Andino is the Executive Director of the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, where she leads advocacy, education, and partnership efforts to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for lower-income residents. Her background includes more than a decade of public health research and community engagement, with a focus on housing as a social determinant of health. Jessica serves on the Board of Directors for Open Heartland and the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, and is on the Executive Committee for the Iowa Housing Partnership. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa, where her research centers on manufactured home communities and health equity. A lifelong resident of Johnson County, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, supporting local soccer initiatives, traveling abroad, and serving the community through various groups and committees.

Jillian Riggan

Bio

Jillian Riggan is a Registered Interior Designer and Associate at Neumann Monson Architects, known for her collaborative leadership and human-centered design approach. She has led impactful projects—including her firm’s Iowa City studio renovation—and holds WELL AP and NCIDQ certifications. Jillian actively mentors emerging professionals and has held leadership roles with IIDA’s Eastern Iowa chapter. She brings a passion for sustainable design, community engagement, and continuous improvement to both her professional and volunteer work.

Josh Thompson

Bio

Josh Thompson, Second Vice President of Commercial Banking at MidWestOne Bank in Iowa City, helps local businesses grow and thrive. He holds a finance degree and an MBA from the University of Northern Iowa and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Having recently married and settled in Iowa City, Josh is excited for this new chapter both personally and professionally. He looks forward to becoming more involved in local initiatives and leadership opportunities. Outside of work, Josh enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with his wife.

Kami Zbanek Hill

Bio

Kami Zbanek Hill is a Cornell College graduate who has spent 15 years in education, theater, non-profit, and public library work in eastern Iowa. A fierce advocate for intellectual freedom, she currently serves as the Senior Library Assistant in the Development Department at the Iowa City Public Library and assists in running the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation. She has also served on the board of directors for Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre since 2019 and is a local theatre artist and vocalist. In her infrequent spare time, she can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons or reading beneath one of her three cats.

Kate Wolniak-Bujakowska

Bio

Kate Wolniak-Bujakowska serves as Programs Specialist for the Coralville Community Food Pantry, where she channels her talents and passion into ensuring neighbors have access to the food and support they need to thrive. She provides key support for the Pantry’s food assistance and home delivery programs, and leads initiatives that promote healthy food access, including cooking classes, a local food prescription program, and community meals. Kate also brings her love for connecting with others by supporting volunteer management and donor engagement strategies. Outside of work, Kate shares life with her husband Michal, son Stan, two cats, and a dog—all of whom bravely face each day after experiencing the loss of Kate’s daughter Krysty (13th), who passed away from osteosarcoma in the Fall of 2024. With Krysty forever in her heart, Kate is fiercely committed to advocating for cancer research and a brighter future for children and families facing the unimaginable

Katie Barry

Bio

Katie Barry leads the Government Services team within RSM’s Finance as a Service practice, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial operations for state and local governments. She began her career auditing school districts and municipalities and now helps governments with outsourced financial solutions, including audit readiness, financial reporting, and advisory services. In addition to client work, Katie develops and facilitates national training programs. A CPA in Iowa and Illinois, she is active in several professional organizations. She lives in Iowa City with her husband and three children, where they enjoy biking, golfing, youth sports, and cheering on the Hawkeyes.

Katie Chalupa

Bio

Katie Chalupa serves as Vice President and Managing Broker for the Skogman Realty Coralville office, where she leads and coaches a high-performing team of agents. She is known for her upbeat energy, strategic problem-solving, and ability to inspire agents to reach their full potential. Committed to giving back, Katie serves on multiple committees with the Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®, and she is an actively involved committee member for Scouting America. Katie jointly manages a company-wide fundraiser that, over 11 years, has raised more than $250,000 for local nonprofits. Outside the office, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, being outdoors, and embracing life's adventures with a positive, forward-thinking outlook.

Kristi Emick

Bio

Kristi Emick has been with Houses into Homes since 2021 and in the last 4 years has been in the roles of volunteer coordinator, operations manager, and is currently the Director of Operations. What she loves most about working at Houses into Homes is that when she comes to work each day she has the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people in our community. She lives in North Liberty with her husband and 2 children and loves to travel, whitewater raft, hike, and read.

Lea McRoberts

Bio

Lea McRoberts has brought her passion for interior architecture to the field for over 20 years and is a key member of RDG’s healthcare team. Known for her ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels, she is driven to create elegant, healthy environments that meet clients’ needs. Lea thrives on solving complex design challenges and ensuring spaces function smoothly and efficiently. Her commitment to sustainable, wellness-focused design is reinforced by her credentials as an Accredited Professional with both WELL and LEED. At home, Lea enjoys spending time with her husband, two Australian Shepherd dogs, and building a new coop for her 'reasonable amount' of backyard chickens.

Livi Flamme

Bio

Livi Flamme is a product manager at CIVCO Medical Solutions, where she oversees a portfolio of men’s health products used in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. She holds a biomedical engineering degree from the University of Iowa and previously worked in various engineering roles at CIVCO before transitioning into product strategy. Passionate about improving patient care through innovation, Livi combines her technical background with a strategic mindset to drive impactful product development. She is currently pursuing her MBA and enjoys running, golfing, reading, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Michael Chen

Bio

Michael Chen serves as the Community Development Program Manager at Greater Iowa City, Inc., where his primary role is leading collaborative efforts to strengthen childcare access and affordability across Johnson County. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Michael has called the Iowa City area home for over 25 years. Outside of work, his favorite pastimes include spending time with his wife and daughter, golfing, and watching football and basketball.

Michael Hynes

Bio

Michael Hynes is currently employed as a Sergeant at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the newly formed Tiffin Division. He has over 21 years of law enforcement experience which includes serving communities in both urban and rural settings. Michael strongly believes one of the best ways to serve is by taking a vested interest within the community and thus being considered one of its members. He is very excited to further his knowledge while building partnerships through this program.

Sophie Donta

Bio

Sophie Donta is an architect at OPN Architects focusing on civic, educational, and community-driven work. An Iowa City native, she holds degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Michigan and spent her early career in OPN’s Madison, WI office before returning to her hometown in 2022. Passionate about serving her community, Sophie sits on the Iowa City Downtown District Board of Directors as well as the City of Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee. Happiest when outdoors, she enjoys gardening and plein-air painting with four-year-old daughter Rowan.

Sue Andrews

Bio

Sue Andrews is the Purchasing Director at New Pioneer Co-op in Iowa City, Coralville and Cedar Rapids, where she leads all sourcing and procurement efforts for the cooperative. With a keen eye for quality products and a passion for supporting local producers, Sue ensures that the Co-op’s shelves are stocked with sustainable, community-focused goods.

T’Shailyn Harrington

Bio

T’Shailyn Harrington is the Neighborhood Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the City of Iowa City, where she supports neighborhood associations in fostering resident connections, advancing shared goals, and strengthening civic engagement. A proud Iowa City native, T’Shailyn has chosen to live and work in the community she’s always called home. She’s committed to giving back to the place that shaped her and helping it remain a space where connection, creativity, and innovation thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their energetic puppy, and finding joy in everyday moments that keep her grounded and inspired. T’Shailyn is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Business Management, a certificate in Event Management, and a minor in African American Studies.

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