Skip to content

Community Leadership Program

Community Leadership Program Logo

Applications for the Community Leadership Program Class of 2024 will be accepted from May 12, 2023 through July 21 2023.

To review program requirements and/or submit an application, please click on the Application button at the bottom of this page.

Program Format

This nine-month program runs the third Friday of each month from September through May. The program begins with an orientation the third Friday in August, followed by monthly sessions studying specific topics.

Topics may include:

  • Leadership/Teamwork
  • Non-Profits
  • Community Culture
  • Agriculture
  • Media
  • Government/Economic Development
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Public Safety
  • Simulated Society
  • Community Problem Solving

The sessions are led by a combination of community leaders, professional facilitators, and specialists in the respective fields. This program is designed to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County, Virginia.

To foster leadership potential in the community to ensure continued growth and development in our region. 

A maximum of thirty participants who either reside or are employed in Clarke County, Frederick County or Winchester will be selected based on the information and references provided.

Attendance is strongly encouraged at each monthly session. Because of the time commitment, the support of the participant's employer is essential.

To develop the skills of the participants so they will be able to provide the leadership necessary to address community needs.
To enhance an understanding of the complex issues facing the communities of the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County Virginia through:

  • Educational programs which broaden knowledge of the area and of critical issues affecting this region
  • Exposure to local government structure, education systems, businesses, and non-profit organizations
  • Introductions to community leaders and local decision-makers

The tuition for the 2023-24 program year is $825 for Chamber members, $1,000 for non-members which includes the $25 application fee. Tuition may be paid by either the participant or the employer.  

The non-refundable administration fee will be invoiced upon receipt of application.

Limited scholarships may be available and are awarded to Chamber members based on need.  See scholarship request form button in the application field below. 

Graduates of the Community Leadership Program will receive a certificate of accomplishment. The graduates will be admitted to the alumni association, which provides regional organizations with a pool of individuals who are qualified to fill leadership roles necessary for the development of the community. The Community Leadership Program will facilitate leadership opportunities for its graduates.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kaleigh Fincham at (540) 662-4118 ext. 16 or email kfincham@regionalchamber.biz

Thank you for your interest in the Community Leadership Program.

CLP 2024 Sponsors 0829202

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

2023 CLP Graduation Web

Patrick Bankemper, Blue Point Benefits

Samantha Barber, People Incorporated

Amanda Brumbaugh, Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area

Matt Buracker, AIDS Response Effort

Rob Cather, H.N. Funkhouser & Co.

Lauren Clouse, Winchester Rescue Mission

Rebekah DesMarais, Top of Virginia Building Association

Dawn Devine, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Shiela Duvall, First Bank

Zanata Fenn, AIDS Response Effort

Megan Ferrell, Valley Health System, meganferrell@vt.edu

Jamison Ford, The Winchester Group

Erica Fritts, City National Bank

Kermit Gaither, Winchester City Sheriff Office

Andrew Gauldin, Morgan Stanley

Jessica Gordon, The Winchester Group

Zachary Hicks, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Justin Hockman, First Bank

Brad Hodgson, Navy Federal Credit Union

George Hoff, Boyce Volunteer Fire Company

Katie Jordan, DreamWeaver Team LLC powered by Samson Properties

Jenny Ligon, CNB Bank, inc.

Allison Mondell, Seniors First

Amber Mungavin, Frederick County Public Schools

Brian Nieves, Marlow Automotive Group/Tri-State Nissan

Patrick North, Valley Health System Urgent Care

Luke Nussman, United Bank

Sharon Rigney, Valley Health System

Nancy Silva, Community Foundation of NSV

Hannah Stewart, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

Chance Varner, Frederick County Public Schools

Joseph Walczyk, Summit Events