The Ottumwa Leadership Academy announced that Himar Hernandez will serve as the Dean for the 2026–2027 program year.
Hernandez grew up in Spain and Germany until he came to Iowa as an exchange student at the age of 15. Hernandez is the State Assistant Director for Community and Economic Development for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and was previously the Director of the New Iowan Center (Iowa Workforce) for Southeast Iowa.
Hernandez co-authored several research papers and his work in small rural communities has been featured in Good Morning America, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Wall Street Journal, The London Sunday Times and NBC Today. He is a recipient of the Passport to Prosperity Award and was named one of 14 people to watch by the Des Moines Register.
Hernandez, his wife, and two children live in Ottumwa. He has served in various leadership roles throughout the community. He formerly served on the AEA Board for seven years, appointed by the Governor to the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs, and was past President of the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation Board. He is currently the Chair of Iowa Leadership Exchange and Founding President and current Treasurer of LULAC Ottumwa.
According to Hollie Tometich, Ottumwa Legacy Foundation Vice President of Community Leadership, Hernandez will guide participants through a transformational year of personal growth, civic engagement, and leadership development. The Academy encourages individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the Ottumwa area to consider applying.
The deadline to submit an application is June 30, 2026.
