Applying for Leadership Lexington
APPLICATION TIME PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2020-21 LEADERSHIP LEXINGTON PROGRAM
We need leaders more than ever in our community and Leadership Lexington is here to help you and your organization strengthen your leadership potential.
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
"Participating in Leadership Lexington was truly a life-changing experience for me. I thought that I knew my city, having lived here for about 15 years, but I learned so much about the industries and organizations that make Lexington a great place to live and work. Going through the program even inspired me to pursue a career change from professional services marketing to the nonprofit sector, because I wanted to do more to give back to our community. Not only that, it also connected me with amazing people from different professions and sectors that I might not have met otherwise. Leadership Lexington is one of the most impactful things I've done to better myself both personally and professionally. I can't recommend it enough!"
- Lauren Parsons
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications
Blue Grass Community Foundation
Hear more about the impact Leadership Lexington from past participants.
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PROGRAM MISSION:
Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Leadership Lexington Program is a leadership development program directed toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. Leadership Lexington is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
BENEFITS:
Leadership Lexington allows participants to:
• Gain exposure to current issues and developments
• Visit local sites and facilities
• Meet local and regional leaders
• Develop and expand network of contacts
• Broaden perspectives and understanding
• Build friendships and working relationships with class members
• Give back to the community through participation in group project
ELIGIBILITY:
Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligible to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed by firms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lexington Inc.
SELECTION:
Participants will be chosen by the Leadership Lexington Steering Committee based upon the information provided and the completeness of the application. Leadership Lexington is a highly competitive program for which not all may be accepted.
A holistic, competitive evaluation process is considered when selecting the Leadership Lexington Program participants. Applicants are scored based on submitted application materials, selection committee discussion and evaluation. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the diversity of our city.
Applicants will be notified by letter about this year’s class selection by mid-July.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program involving a mandatory overnight orientation retreat scheduled for August 20 & 21 then a full-day session lasting eight hours each month from September through June. A Get Acquainted Reception will be held before the overnight orientation retreat. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include media, government, education, equine, public safety, economic development, arts, health and human services, and leadership development. At the end of the Leadership Lexington program year, a graduation is held in recognition of the class with an alumni reception following.
ATTENDANCE:
Leadership Lexington requires a strict time commitment. The overnight orientation retreat is mandatory in an effort to develop early cohesion of the group. Class members must attend a minimum of 80 percent of all day sessions and participate in a community project with classmates. The community project will take additional time outside of the class sessions and participation in the project is a requirement to graduate from the program. The community projects serve as a crucible where class members will practice and apply leadership skills in a small-group experience, work with community leaders, gain an in-depth understanding of a community organization and/or community need, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Project work is done outside of regular day sessions. Meeting times and locations are determined by project group members.
Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Leadership Lexington Program is a leadership development program directed toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. The program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our city and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. Leadership Lexington is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues.
BENEFITS:
Leadership Lexington allows participants to:
• Gain exposure to current issues and developments
• Visit local sites and facilities
• Meet local and regional leaders
• Develop and expand network of contacts
• Broaden perspectives and understanding
• Build friendships and working relationships with class members
• Give back to the community through participation in group project
ELIGIBILITY:
Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligible to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed by firms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lexington Inc.
SELECTION:
Participants will be chosen by the Leadership Lexington Steering Committee based upon the information provided and the completeness of the application. Leadership Lexington is a highly competitive program for which not all may be accepted.
A holistic, competitive evaluation process is considered when selecting the Leadership Lexington Program participants. Applicants are scored based on submitted application materials, selection committee discussion and evaluation. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the diversity of our city.
Applicants will be notified by letter about this year’s class selection by mid-July.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program involving a mandatory overnight orientation retreat scheduled for August 20 & 21 then a full-day session lasting eight hours each month from September through June. A Get Acquainted Reception will be held before the overnight orientation retreat. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include media, government, education, equine, public safety, economic development, arts, health and human services, and leadership development. At the end of the Leadership Lexington program year, a graduation is held in recognition of the class with an alumni reception following.
ATTENDANCE:
Leadership Lexington requires a strict time commitment. The overnight orientation retreat is mandatory in an effort to develop early cohesion of the group. Class members must attend a minimum of 80 percent of all day sessions and participate in a community project with classmates. The community project will take additional time outside of the class sessions and participation in the project is a requirement to graduate from the program. The community projects serve as a crucible where class members will practice and apply leadership skills in a small-group experience, work with community leaders, gain an in-depth understanding of a community organization and/or community need, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Project work is done outside of regular day sessions. Meeting times and locations are determined by project group members.
