Heartland AEA Chief Administrator Cindy Yelick Named 2026 Iowa Superintendent of the Year
Cindy Yelick, Heartland AEA Chief Administrator, has been named the 2026 Iowa Superintendent of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI). This prestigious award considers AEA Chief roles as part of its criteria.
"Dr. Yelick leads with an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students, from birth through age 21. Her every decision reflects a deep belief in the potential of all children, and her tireless advocacy ensures that each student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive," said SAI Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy.
Yelick began her tenure as Heartland AEA’s Chief Administrator in 2023. Before this, she held the same role with Great Prairie AEA for six years. Her extensive background also includes various positions with Heartland AEA 11 from 2005–2017. Earlier in her career, she served as a director in the Ames Community School District and was an elementary principal for both Ames and Des Moines Public Schools.
Yelick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa, a Master's in Education from the University of Houston, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Drake University (2000).
Darwin Lehmann, the 2025 Superintendent of the Year, facilitated the committee that selected Yelick. "Cindy Yelick embodies the qualities of a true 'servant leader.' The committee was struck by her foundational values of positivity, transparency, and an absolute focus on students, which she has demonstrated with remarkable steadiness during the complex transition of Heartland AEA and the AEA system mandated by HF 2612. Her commitment to providing essential services for students and staff is the powerful, consistent thread woven throughout her entire career," he commented.
A reference letter highlighted Yelick’s dedication to student resources: "At the center of all of Dr. Yelick’s work are the students. Heartland AEA is the best resource for all children from birth to 21 years old in central Iowa. The success of each child, no matter what challenges that child faces, is the reason why Dr. Yelick continues working to maintain a strong AEA system. Dr. Yelick continues to create ways for children to be supported in their developmental and educational journey, as she works daily with school districts and state agencies to deliver quality support."
Reflecting on the recognition, Yelick said, "It is an honor to receive this award from School Administrators of Iowa. I am privileged to serve alongside so many high quality educators who work tirelessly, every day, to improve the lives of children and students in Iowa. This collaboration and collective efficacy, makes us all more impactful in our work. I am forever grateful for the mentors and leaders who came before me and helped build the strong foundation for Iowa education that continues to grow today."
Iowa’s Administrator of the Year award recipients will be honored at SAI’s annual conference in August 2026. Yelick will also represent the state in the National AEA Chief Administrator of the Year Program®, sponsored by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.