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.  

John Lamanna, Class of 2004

I attended CLP many years ago. I was somewhat settled in my career and became interested in knowing more about our community. The CLP classes provided what I was looking for. It not only gave me an overview of our community, it also inspired me to become involved. Following the CLP year of community awareness it led me to participation on the Regional Chamber and years on the Frederick County School Board. I addition I have enjoyed the participation in and support of several local nonprofits. 

All this being said, it was the experiences of the CLP, the knowledge and awareness gained, the friendship and connections made which launched years of gratifying community involvement. I am indeed grateful for the CLP experience.

Angie White, Class of 2002

I was fortunate to be in the 2001-2002 cohort of the Community Leadership Program. I found each session to be informative, especially since I was a newly appointed administrator in Frederick County and had not met many people outside of our school division.

The connections between Winchester City and Frederick County were amazing. I was unaware of several of the businesses who had staff represented in our cohort.

The best part of the program was meeting new people in my community. I was able to ask for volunteers to be on a scholarship committee. When my older daughter was awarded the United Way Student of the Year, there were people in the audience clapping extra loud for her, due to the connections I had made within my CLP cohort. I am still friends with several of the people I met through the CLP.

I have also enjoyed presenting to other cohorts of leaders. I have presented on elementary instruction (math problem-solving and discourse, SOL tests) and several times about preschool and the need for early childhood education choices in our communities. 

I am very proud to be a "graduate" of the CLP; in fact, I keep my certificate award posted in my office. Congratulations to the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber's 30th anniversary of their Community Leadership Program. I wish them another 30 years.

Jenny Grooms, Class of 2014

Professionally - CLP set aside time every month for me to connect with community leaders I otherwise would likely not have interacted with so deeply on a regular basis. Personally, this meant a lot to me as I developed unlikely friendships with some classmates that I still hold dear to this day. I may not see some of them often now, but even if it's been years, we still connect quickly when we either run into each other, or end up working together on a community project. It's amazing to me how many of our paths continue to cross in expected, and unexpected ways.

Happy to contribute more thoughts if you need them - hard to believe 30 years of this program!

Phillip S. Griffin, II

I continue to serve as president of Phillip S Griffin, II PC practicing Law, doing litigation and advising small businesses in the Shenandoah Alley which I have done since 1998. 

With the Chamber, I served on the board of directors from 2006 to 2012 and served as Chairman in 2011 and 2012.

During this period, I also attended and was a graduate of the LEAD Virginia program in 2011 and a 2012 graduate of the Sorenson institute for public policy at the University of Virginia. 

In that period of 2011 to 2012 I spent approximately 20 weekends traveling around Virginia to various historic and economic development sites.

Also, during this period of time, I had the opportunity to travel outside the state and meet with leaders in Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, as well as Virginia  .

I enjoyed my time with theCLP program and have continued some of those business relationships and friendships in the Winchester Frederick County area.  I continue to see some of these individuals regularly at various Chamber functions or Rotary club meetings.

I am a big fan of the CLP program and strongly, recommend individuals and local businesses to get involved with this program and the Chamber organization overall.