Fifteen Iowa long-term care professionals graduate from statewide leadership program

Contact: Dana Anderson, VP, Marketing
800-422-3106, dana@iowahealthcare.org

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (June 17, 2026) — Fifteen professionals from long-term care organizations across Iowa have completed a 10-month-long leadership program focused on improving care quality, strengthening teams and preparing the next generation of leaders serving older Iowans.

The 2025-26 Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, offered by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), concluded June 11 with a graduation ceremony and final project presentations in West Des Moines. Participants represented a variety of leadership roles, including nursing home administrators, nurses, assisted living program directors, social services professionals, food and nutrition directors, clinical leaders and marketing directors.

Throughout the program, participants completed leadership training focused on communication, team development, strategic planning and organizational leadership. Each participant also developed and presented a quality improvement project addressing challenges and opportunities within their organization.

Projects focused on initiatives such as reducing staff turnover, improving resident oral health, strengthening communication with residents and families, implementing resident mentorship programs, reducing falls, enhancing strategic planning efforts and improving early identification of skin and wound care concerns.

“Strong leadership is one of the most important factors in delivering high-quality care,” said Brenda Irlbeck, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Iowa Health Care Association. “These professionals are investing in their own growth so they can better support residents, tenants, patients, families and staff. Their commitment reflects the dedication we see every day from long-term care professionals across Iowa.”

The following graduates completed the program:

Megan Abbas – Franklin General Hospital (Hampton)
Shelbi Bengford – Odebolt Specialty Care
Barbara Courtney – Bethany Life (Story City)
Ashley Eischeid – Bethany Life (Story City)
Joseph Herst – Accura HealthCare of South Des Moines
Jacquelyne Jasek – Panora Specialty Care
Alyssa Poland – Kennybrook Village (Grimes)
Megan Rinner – Corning Specialty Care
Kelsey Seabold – Montrose Health Center
Jessica Sellner – Kennybrook Village (Grimes)
Katie Seydel – Green Hills Community (Ames)
Jordan Tjaden – Midlands Living Center (Council Bluffs)
Jessica Wagner – Homestead of Algona
Tyler Whitcanack – Good Samaritan Society – LeMars
Jalissa Winn – English Valley Nursing Care Center (North English)

The program was sponsored by Brighton Consulting Group.

-30-

To download full image, right-click and choose “save image as”