DSM Leadership Intensive Graduates 14 Professionals
The inaugural six-session program, offered by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, concluded November 5 after running from September 1.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
Fourteen professionals from organizations across Greater Des Moines completed the inaugural DSM Leadership Intensive, a six-session leadership development program. The program ran from September 1 through November 5.
Why it matters
The program targets new and emerging leaders, aiming to build skills in communication, delegation, and accountability. It brings together instruction from several regional institutions for leaders across the Des Moines area.
The inaugural cohort included 14 participants across six sessions held between September 1 and November 5. No comparator figures for enrollment or completion were provided for this first cohort.
The players
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The regional economic development organization that offers the DSM Leadership Intensive to professionals in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Drake University's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center
A Drake University center that contributed presenters to the leadership program's curriculum.
The details
The program used expert-led instruction, peer learning, and practical exercises. Participants explored communication, delegation, accountability, and strategies for navigating workplace challenges, with presenters from the Iowa National Guard, Iowa State University, Drake University's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, and the University of Iowa.
Timeline
September 1, 2026: DSM Leadership Intensive began.
November 5, 2026: DSM Leadership Intensive concluded.
Market Landscape
Regional leadership development programs like the DSM Leadership Intensive draw on university and public-sector expertise rather than purely private training firms. The inaugural cohort's cross-institutional faculty, including Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Drake, reflects how Greater Des Moines is building its own pipeline of emerging executives.
Professionals in the Des Moines area seeking leadership training can look to the Greater Des Moines Partnership for future cohorts. The program's six-session format offers a structured option for workers aiming to strengthen management skills.
The takeaway
Emerging leaders benefit from structured training that combines university expertise with practical peer learning. Professionals interested in similar programs can ask their employers about regional leadership initiatives.
Further reading
For more on local professional development, explore People coverage in Des Moines.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Record.
