Compliance Specialist Lisa Kats recently graduated from Accelerate Siouxland Regional Development Program.
April 9, 2026
Peoples Bank Compliance Specialist Lisa Kats was one of seventeen aspiring leaders to have officially graduated from Accelerate Siouxland, a premier eight-month regional leadership development program. Meeting the second Thursday of each month from September through April, the cohort engaged in intensive leadership training while interacting with nearly 50 community partners across the area.
The program’s curriculum centered on the Franklin-Covey Organization’s "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," "6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team," and "Unconscious Bias." These monthly sessions combined professional theory with practical community exploration, covering sectors ranging from government and healthcare to agriculture and business.
Beyond the classroom, participants translated their learning into action through four "Accelerate Siouxland" community projects. This year’s graduates successfully provided AEDs to local schools, supported the Hope Food Pantry, distributed communication and sensory kits to regional first responders, law enforcement, and schools, and hosted a human trafficking awareness event at Trinity Church in Orange City. By bridging the gap between professional growth and civic service, the program continues to empower a new generation of leaders dedicated to the Siouxland area.
For Kats, Accelerate Siouxland offered more than professional development; it provided real-life value and connection. “Learning effective time management skills as a leader both in the workplace and home life has been very beneficial,” said Kats. “I appreciated connecting with other leaders in Siouxland. It’s a great resource for ideas and brainstorming.”
Kats has been with Peoples Bank for over five years and works out of Peoples Bank in Rock Valley.