Executive Leadership Program (ELP) Announces 2024 Cohort

Posted February 22, 2024

The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) provides local executives and business leaders an immersive deep-dive into today’s most pressing leadership challenges, giving them the tools to successfully lead and grow their organizations. In partnership with the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Greater Iowa City, Inc. launched the 2024 ELP cohort with 16 local leaders and area executives.

Adrianne Korbakes

Bio

Adrianne Korbakes, Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the leadership and oversight of all programming at CommUnity Crisis Services. She strives to provide comprehensive, low-barrier, nonjudgmental support to anyone experiencing a difficult time. Adrianne has over a decade of professional experience within various nonprofits, with roles ranging from direct service to leadership. Her passion is in innovative program development to help address complex societal challenges, reduce stigma, and expand access to quality care. Away from work, Adrianne has forgone her previous hobbies of hiking, craft beer sampling, and yoga and is now consumed with the activities of those who care for young children. You can find her doing copious loads of laundry, singing Baby Shark, and sneaking naps whenever possible.

Betsy Potter

Bio

Betsy Potter is an Iowa native, and an alumna of the University of Iowa. She received her M.S. from Eastern Michigan University in Urban and Regional Planning before returning to Iowa and joined the Iowa City Downtown District. Her work with the Iowa City Downtown District has been focused on business improvement services, programs, and initiatives including public art, placemaking, marketing, and events. Betsy has been with the organization for eleven years and now is leading the organization as the Executive Director.

Brent Amelon

Bio

Brent Amelon has been working for Shive-Hattery for nearly 16 years. He is a civil engineer and project manager with most of his career dedicated to higher education and healthcare projects. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife Ashlynn and their two kids.

Brent Bormann

Bio

Brent Bormann is the CFO for Rayser Holdings, Inc. (an ESOP) located in Cedar Rapids and has been in the role for 7 years. He has worked as part of the executive team to evolve the company through acquisitions from what was CarePro Health Services to what is now Rayser Holdings, Inc., a holding company with 4 diversified companies including CarePro Health Services, Keltek, Inc., Midwest Memorials, LLC and J-TEC Associates, Inc. His previous professional experience spanned 20+ years split between HNI and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He is married and has 5 children and has lived in the Iowa City area since 2007.

Darian Nagle-Gamm

Bio

Darian Nagle-Gamm is the Director of Transportation Services for the City of Iowa City. She oversees the planning, operations, and maintenance of the city's public transit and parking system, advancing the city's vision for a more sustainable, accessible, and equitable transportation system. Darian holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and is accredited by the American Institute of Certified Planners. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family or biking Iowa’s amazing gravel roads and mountain bike trails.

Geoff Wagner

Bio

Geoff Wagner is a seasoned biomedical engineer with a background in the medical device industry, boasting over a decade of experience. Geoff holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa and a Master's in Engineering Management from Pennsylvania State University. Currently, Geoff serves as a Senior Engineering Manager for Sustaining Engineering, at CIVCO Medical Solutions where he leads efforts in maintaining and improving existing products and processes. He has successfully spearheaded diverse teams in new product development, manufacturing, and operations, including design, manufacturing, quality, project engineers, and technical writing groups. Outside of his professional pursuits, Geoff enjoys golfing and spending quality time with his wife and two children.

Irena Sarić

Bio

Irena Sarić is the managing director at Riverside Theatre, Iowa City's live professional theatre that's been serving its audiences for 43 seasons. She holds a BA degree in Producing of Film, TV and Theatre and a MA degree in Management in Performing Arts from The Academy of Dramatic Arts, University of Zagreb, Croatia. She enjoys spending her free time traveling, playing and exploring the area with her husband and their two little girls.

Justin Fraase

Bio

Joining University of Iowa Human Resources in early 2023, Fraase has served in various higher education leadership roles, including enrollment, communications, and marketing. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and Master of Business Administration, both from North Dakota State University. Previous work experience includes the University of North Dakota, Northern State University (Aberdeen, S.D.), the hospitality industry, and an engineering consulting firm.

Kenza Nelson

Bio

Kenza Nelson is Senior Vice President, General Counsel at Hills Bank and Trust Company where she manages the Bank’s Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Loss Mitigation departments. She joined the bank in 2009. She previously worked in private practice at Stanley, Lande & Hunter in Muscatine. Kenza graduated from Wartburg College and the University of Iowa College of Law. She lives in Coralville with her husband Matthew and her two daughters and enjoys reading, biking, and attending all of her kids’ activities.

LaTasha DeLoach

Bio

LaTasha J. DeLoach is a dedicated professional with a strong educational background, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Iowa School of Social Work. As the Director of the City of Iowa City Senior Center, she leads a team that provides vital services to promote social connection and wellness for residents aged 50 and above. Her unwavering commitment ensures that older adults have access to opportunities for learning, social engagement, and community involvement. DeLoach's commitment to community welfare is exemplified through her extensive involvement in various local and statewide boards and committees. She has lent her expertise to organizations such as the UI School of Social Work Professional Advisory Committee, Iowa Girls Justice Initiative Taskforce, and the Community Foundation of Johnson County, among others.

Furthermore, DeLoach's profound impact is evident in her role as the co-founder of several organizations and programs dedicated to empowering women and girls of color in Iowa. These initiatives include Sankofa Outreach Connection, Black Women’s Maternal Health Collective, and The Sound of LaLa Land, a vocal production company. LaTasha J. DeLoach's tireless dedication to fostering community wellness, advocating for marginalized groups, and empowering women and girls of color embodies her as a true champion of social progress and inclusivity in Iowa.

Matt Krieger

Bio

Matt Krieger is an Associate Principal and Architect at Neumann Monson Architects and leads the firm's Green Team. He has a variety of experience in multiple sectors including Healthcare, Commercial, K-12, Higher Ed, Transportation, Recreation, and Worship facilities. Matt has a strong passion for environmentalism and has served on the Iowa City Climate Action Commission and the Board of Directors for U.S. Green Building Council Iowa Chapter. His other passions include his family and their hobby farm, travel, great food, and the Arts in all forms.

Michael Muhlenbruch

Bio

Michael Muhlenbruch is a life-long resident of Iowa City, currently raising his four children here alongside his wife. His career has been rooted in engineering, construction, and real estate development since graduating from the University of Iowa. Michael is committed to continuously honing his leadership skills, aiming to implement them in his professional endeavors, personal life, and while coaching his baseball team. If he’s not attending a practice, match or game for one of his children, you can often find him on the golf course.

Ryan Bobst

Bio

Ryan Bobst serves the North Liberty Community Pantry as the Executive Director. Ryan received his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and has over 12 years of experience serving nonprofits in leadership capacities. Ryan is an anti-poverty advocate, including past efforts in affordable housing, early childhood education, and job training. Ryan was an Adjunct Instructor with the University of Iowa School of Social Work and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and officiating Junior High and High School basketball games.

Stacey Houseman

Bio

Stacey Houseman, Vice President of Sales at Think Iowa City – Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau oversees conference sales, servicing & event experiences. A dedicated Iowa City native, Stacey takes pride in her efforts to highlight the unique offerings of the Iowa City/Coralville area when prospecting programs and events that drive substantial economic impact to the community. Stacey serves as a community connector and is proud to work for an organization that is a catalyst for community growth and collaboration. Stacey and her husband live in Coralville with their two children, Linus (5), and Finn (3). During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, biking, exploring the community or at her favorite local yoga studios.

Stefanie Bowers

Bio

Stefanie is the Human Rights Coordinator and Equity Director for the City of Iowa City and Adjunct Instructor at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights. Born and raised in Iowa City, Stefanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. In her free time, Stefanie provides leadership by serving on community boards, including the Johnson County United Nations Association Board of Directors and the Iowa Legal Aid, Iowa City Regional Advisory Council.

Talinda Pettigrew

Bio

Talinda Pettigrew is the Senior Director of Human Resources for the Division of Student Life at the University of Iowa, where she serves on the executive leadership team of the Vice President for Student Life. She has earned her Master of Business Administration and holds several HR certifications, including the PHR, CMHR, and PAHR. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Pettigrew is known for being an innovative, strategic thinker who takes a proactive approach to human resources. As a result, she has developed and implemented HR policies, programs, and initiatives that have resulted in significant improvements in employee recruitment, retention, and engagement.

In addition to her work as a Senior HR Director, Pettigrew also teaches master's level courses in human resources and communication at the University of Dubuque, sharing her expertise with the next generation of business professionals.

Strategy & Leadership programs

Business support & network

Community Development

ECONOMIC Development