AFIT Welcomes Joel Pedersen, new president of North Iowa Area Community College

We are pleased to welcome Joel Pedersen, new president of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), to the Alliance for Innovation & Transformation. 

Joel succeeds Steve Schulz, who recently retired after leading the College for the past decade. Steve joined AFIT in 2019, and now the NIACC team will continue their engagement with the alliance under Joel’s leadership. 

Prior to joining NIACC, Joel served as chief administrator of Central Rivers Area Education Agency, overseeing services for 53 school districts, impacting 64,000 students and managing 550 staff members.  

He also held the position of Superintendent of Cardinal Community School District, where he was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year in 2020 and led the district to be recognized as a Top 150 Workplace in Iowa for five consecutive years. 

Joel's leadership has consistently resulted in significant growth in enrollment, high graduation rates, and the establishment of key initiatives like the Cardinal Area Welding Academy, along with impactful facility improvements.  

Joel’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development aligns well with AFIT's mission. Laurel Klinkenberg, vice president of academic affairs & student learning, began her role as NIACC's AFIT Rep earlier this year. 

Please join us in welcoming Joel and Laurel to AFIT!