Community Leadership Program

Kristen Anderson, Class of 2006

Participating in the Community Leadership Program was a truly eye-opening experience. The program gave me a much broader awareness of the public services available throughout our community, as well as a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges many people face every day.

The most impactful part of the experience was the simulated society exercise. It completely changed my perspective and helped me better understand how interconnected our community systems are and how difficult it can be for individuals and families to navigate them. That experience was genuinely mind-changing for me.

After participating in the Community Leadership Program, I realized that I wanted to serve my community in a meaningful way. The program inspired me to become more involved, more informed, and more committed to making a positive difference where I live.

Grateful for the experience and cheers to the CLP Class of 2006!

Dave Smith, Class of 1998

The CLP was a wonderful introduction to not only the underlying structure of the county's operations, but also to key people within those industries. Some have remained lifelong friends and I wouldn't hesitate to reach out to them for assistance with my own work.

The CLP was also loads of fun - I still remember my SimSoc designation and how that session opened my eyes to how different people's lives can be. 

Bill Wiley, Class of 2016

The program provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Winchester-Frederick County region while also connecting me with leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. The relationships built through CLP have continued long after graduation and have strengthened both my professional work and my commitment to serving the community.

One of the greatest takeaways from CLP was the reminder that meaningful progress happens when people come together with a shared desire to improve the place we call home. The program encouraged collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and community engagement in a way that continues to impact me today.

Thank you again for the opportunity to reflect on such a meaningful experience, and congratulations on 30 years of Community Leadership Program graduates making a difference across our region.

Darcus Breneman, Class of 2005

It is hard to wrap my head (andheart) around the fact that I graduated from CLP in 2004-2005, I believe.   More than 20 years ago!   Even though I grew up in the Frederick County area and attended James Wood High School and Lord Fairfax Community College, after I left for JMU, I didn’t engage much in the community until I returned in the mid 1990’s.    Having the opportunity to participate in the CLP at the time was such an honor and recognition.   I can still remember the classmates and the different presentations that we attended.   And, I can still vividly remember the SYMSOC experiment…that was a real learning experience for me!

I can’t imagine our community without the CLP program and the depth and knowledge that it provides to all of the participants. And, 30 years of graduates adding to the workplace in our market can not be understated!  

Thank you, TVRC, for allowing me to develop so many skills through the CLP program!

Cynthia Schneider, Class of 2018

The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Community Leadership Program transformed my perspective about the intricacies of decision making faced by community leaders.  I vowed to never again be an “armchair quarterback” after seeing the processes and deep thought that goes into the day to day operations behind the scenes of so many of our businesses, governing bodies, and educational systems.