Russell County Leadership

05/07/2026

We had a fantastic morning yesterday hosting our annual 🤝Linking with Leadership event! 🤝

It was inspiring to bring together alumni associates from Classes I–III, our current Class IV, and our upcoming Class V for a morning focused on growth, connection, and community impact.

We kicked things off with a delicious breakfast from the Club Bakery before diving into an incredible start to the day. We were honored to welcome Russell County Area Community Foundation Executive Director- Angie Mueller, who presented us with a generous $250 Kindness Grant. We are truly grateful for this gift.

Our group of leaders was also joined by Gina Riedel of GR Results, a business coach and speaker with over 20 years of experience in both the profit and non-profit sectors. Gina spoke about everyday leadership and what that looks like to each one of us—encouraging us to grow our skills, build stronger relationships, and become positive influences in our communities. Her passion for developing people and her real-world experience made her message especially impactful.

We had a great time connecting, strengthening relationships, and expanding our network and resources right here in our rural community.

Grateful for this group and the impact we’re building together!

05/01/2026

🎉 Meet Class V 🎉

Introducing Mackenzie Hartman and Evan Wallpe, in the next years Russell County Leadership Class V!

This program brings together individuals who are passionate about making a difference and investing in the future of our communities.

We’re excited to watch this class learn, lead, and grow together!

04/30/2026

💼 Leadership Starts Here 💼

We’re proud to introduce Sierra Pierson, David William and Autumn Zvolanek as part of Russell County Leadership Class V!

Class V associates will spend the next 10 months diving into key topics like economic development, healthcare, education, and community engagement—growing as leaders along the way.

Welcome to the journey!👏

04/29/2026

🌟 Class V Spotlight 🌟

Say hello to Tammy Claussen, Caden Pfeifer and Connie Krug a few more of our Russell County Leadership Class V associates!

Through this program, participants gain hands-on experience, build meaningful connections, and develop the skills needed to lead and serve our community.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing this incredible group!

04/28/2026

✨ Meet the Leaders of Tomorrow ✨

Please join us in welcoming Garry Bwalya, Dianne Frimmel and Amanda Jackson to Russell County Leadership Class V!

This week we are going to take some time to introduce our next class. Over the next 10 months these leaders will join fellow Class V associates in exploring leadership, community growth, and collaboration across Russell County.

We’re excited to see the impact this group will make! 💙

04/27/2026

🎉 Russell County Leadership Announces Class V 🎉

We are excited to introduce the 2026–2027 Russell County Leadership (RCL) Class V Associates! This outstanding group of leaders represents a diverse mix of industries, experiences, and passion for strengthening our community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating:
Garry Bwayla – Otterbein Methodist Church
Tammy Claussen – Southwind Bank
Diane Frimmel – Smart Cookies Tutoring
Mackenzie Hartman – Russell Regional Hospital
Amanda Jackson – Russell Regional Hospital
Connie Krug – Fossil Energy, LLC
Sierra Pierson – Gudenkauf & Malone, LLC
Caden Pfeifer – Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center
David William – PureField Ingredients
Evan Wallpe – Wallpe Chiropractic
Autumn Zvolanek – UMB

Over the next 10 months, these individuals will participate in hands-on seminars, leadership development sessions, and community-focused projects designed to shape the future of Russell County.

As RCL enters a new chapter as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we look forward to expanding our impact and continuing to invest in local leadership.

04/24/2026

Sometimes growth begins with simply seeing things differently.

Every class brings new awareness, fresh ideas, and stronger connections to the community we call home.

We can’t wait to introduce the next class of leaders!

“Even as a lifelong resident of Russell County, I have learned many things that I didn’t know about our county or was misinformed about.” — Jordan Harrison, Class III Alumni

04/23/2026

Inspiration fuels progress—and it’s contagious.

That’s exactly what this program is about: creating momentum that reaches far beyond the classroom.

Stay tuned as we introduce the next group ready to make an impact.

“I hope that this class will inspire others to work towards a future of growth and improvements for Russell County.” — Cameron Kilian, Class III Alumni

04/22/2026

Growth starts with perspective—and our alumni know it firsthand.

As we prepare to welcome our next class, we’re inspired by leaders who continue to think bigger, push further, and shape what’s next.

“Through my time in the leadership classes I have gained so much knowledge about what makes Russell work while also brainstorming what all we could become.” — Katie Revell, Class III Alumni

04/17/2026

🚨DUE TODAY BY 5PM🚨

Make sure to get all parts of your application in if you want to be considered for Class V of the program- no extensions or exceptions will be made. We’ve got some great candidates submitted and are excited to continue our growth and local leaders!

Applications found here👉🏻

Russell County Leadership is an intense leadership program aimed at developing emerging business leaders in the Russell County Area. Russell County Leadership coaches and empowers the next generation of rising stars to lead within rural communities, ensuring a bright and sustainable future.

04/16/2026

We’re hosting the kid zone for this event and have some fun things planned! How may times do you get to volunteer, get a good meal and swag?? 🤩 Come join us for this awesome event on Main Street in down town Russell! ❗️MAY 16th ❗️

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!