Leadership Lewis is more than leadership training—it's a transformative, nine-month journey that develops confident, capable leaders while deepening their connection to Lewis County. Through immersive monthly sessions, participants don't just learn leadership theory; they practice real skills on real community challenges, building both their leadership capacity and their understanding of how to create positive change right here at home.
If you're ready to grow as a leader, expand your impact, and help shape Lewis County's future, now is the time to apply.
It's Applied Leadership Development. Rather than sit through presentations about leadership concepts, participants engage in hands-on experiences that build skills they can use immediately—in their workplace, their community involvement, and their personal life.
It's Rooted in Lewis County. Every leadership skill is explored through the lens of real challenges and opportunities in our community. Participants don't just learn about stakeholder mapping—they map the stakeholders involved in Lewis County's economic development. They don't just study conflict resolution—they practice it on education-business partnership scenarios right here at home.
It's Intentional. The program follows a carefully designed path from personal leadership to workplace effectiveness to community impact. Each month builds on the previous, creating a comprehensive leadership foundation that prepares participants to lead wherever they are.
It's Intimate and Collaborative. With cohorts limited to 10 participants, everyone gets personalized attention while building meaningful relationships across sectors and backgrounds. These connections often become some of the most valuable outcomes of the program.
Leadership Lewis follows a strategic progression designed to build your leadership capacity while deepening your connection to Lewis County's future.
2026-2027 content and course syllabus
Some course content still being confirmed.
September 10, 2026
Orientation - Course overview, Class Agreements, Community Service Project vote (1:00pm start)
Leadership Training Focus: Executive Presence
Session Location: WVU Jackson's Mill (confirmed)
October 8, 2026
Tourism, Hospitality, Social Media, Attractions for locals and tourists (10:00am start plus fun early evening activity at LC Park)
Leadership Focus: Ethical Leadership and Managing Change
Session Location: Louis Bennett Public Library Conference Room (confirmed)
November 12, 2026
Economic Development, Community Engagement, Arts & Volunteerism (10:00am start -plus fun evening activity at Central WV Heart House)
Leadership Focus: Employee Coaching and Crucial Conversations
Session Location: West Virginia Museum of American Glass (confirmed)
December 10, 2026
Education, Youth Activities, Social Services (8:00 am start- no evening activity)
Leadership Focus: Modern Leadership Theories
Session Location: The Coffeehouse
January 14, 2027
Finance/Banking, Building & Preserving Wealth, Real Estate & Housing (10:00am start - plus early evening reception & tour of Citizen's Bank Building)
Leadership Focus: Finance Workshop for Leaders
Session Location: Garton Real Estate Group Conference Room (confirmed)
February 11, 2027
Trip to Charleston - visit County Legislators, attend House or Senate Floor session, Lunch with special guests (day session no evening activity)
March 11, 2027
Healthcare - Physical, Mental & Emotional, Eldercare, Primary Care, Tour Operating Room, (8:00am start - with individual health screenings and tour of an operating room)
Leadership Focus: Strength Finders
Session Location: Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital Conference Room (confirmed)
April 9, 2027 (Friday)
Joint session with Leadership Harrison - Aviation/Manufacturing (day session- Optional evening activity-tour the Bridge Sport's Complex & stop for dinner at Oliverio's Ristorante)
Session Location: North Central WV Airport (more details to follow)
May 13, 2027
Talent/Workforce Development, Recruitment (1/2-day session location to be determined based on service project)
Leadership Focus: What it means to be a "leader"
Community Service Project
Graduation -- Reception and dinner that evening -- Bring a guest!
Lambert's Winery
Develop Your Leadership Pipeline. Leadership Lewis creates a systematic approach to developing your next generation of leaders. Participants return with enhanced self-awareness, stronger communication skills, and proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
Build Strategic Community Networks. Your employees don't just learn leadership—they build relationships across Lewis County's business, nonprofit, government, and education sectors. These connections become valuable resources for collaboration, problem-solving, and business development.
Enhance Employee Engagement and Retention. Employees who participate in Leadership Lewis report higher job satisfaction and stronger commitment to staying in Lewis County. The program demonstrates your investment in their growth while connecting them more deeply to the community.
Create Visible Community Impact. Leadership Lewis graduates consistently step into board positions, volunteer leadership roles, and community initiatives. Your investment in their development becomes visible community engagement that enhances your organization's reputation.
Develop Problem-Solving Capacity. The program's focus on adaptive leadership and complex problem-solving creates employees who can navigate uncertainty, build stakeholder buy-in, and implement solutions that stick.
When we grow better leaders, we grow a better Lewis County.
Leadership Lewis supports the future of our community by preparing people to lead with empathy, courage, and vision—whether that’s on a board, in a business, at a school, or around a kitchen table. Participants leave the program with more than knowledge—they leave with clarity, confidence, and connection.
“I was honored to be a part of the inaugural class of 2024. Each session was a well thought out day full of information and great learning. The networking was an invaluable asset to all involved. I met some wonderful people who have great connections throughout the county, region, and state.”
H. Keith Talbert, Jr.
Assistant Director, Lewis-Gilmer E-911
Leadership Lewis Class of 2024
Workforce Development Investment. The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce recognizes that recruiting, supporting, and retaining talent—particularly young professionals—is critical to our region's future. Leadership Lewis provides a structured pathway to identify and develop local talent while deepening their commitment to Lewis County.
Enhanced Civic Engagement. Employees who participate in Leadership Lewis become more engaged citizens and community leaders. This civic involvement strengthens the overall business climate and quality of life that attracts and retains talent.
Cross-Sector Collaboration. The program builds bridges between business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors, creating opportunities for partnerships that benefit everyone. Many significant community initiatives have emerged from Leadership Lewis connections.
Return on Investment. Organizations consistently report that Leadership Lewis participants return with enhanced skills, expanded networks, and increased engagement. The program's emphasis on practical application means these benefits show up immediately in workplace performance.
Be seen as a champion of leadership and community development in Lewis County. Support opportunities start at $350 and provide meaningful ways to connect with emerging leaders while supporting the development of our community's future.
Support Opportunities:
We also welcome our supporters to register their employees for Leadership Lewis!
Contact the Chamber to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Becky Conrad, Mountaineer Food Bank
Robin Drake, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
Chasity King, BHE GT&S
Kasey McLaughlin, Citizens Bank of Weston
Thomas Newbrough, Edward Jones
Kelsey Regan, Community Care of West Virginia
David Roth, DOJ / FBI Clarksburg, WV
Brooke Swisher, UPC-Family Medical Clinic of Jane Lew
Debbie West, Town of Jane Lew
Gregory Wine, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
Sherry Cogar, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
James Connor, FirstEnergy
Keely Cunningham, Hope Gas
Amanda Fortney, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
Kate Garton, Garton Real Estate Group
Thom Haller, Central WV HEART House
Tina Helmick, Lewis County Commission
Alexis Montagna, Citizens Bank of Weston
Eric Sherrard, The Thrasher Group, Inc.
Lesley Slaughter, Lewis County Family Resource Network
Keith Talbert, Jr., Lewis-Gilmer E-911
We honor our founding committee members whose vision, dedication, and countless hours of work created the foundation for Leadership Lewis. Their commitment to developing local leaders has already transformed lives across our county, and the ripples of your vision will continue to spread for generations to come.
Shannon Cunningham-Snead
Adam Gissy
Jeff Jenkins
Alissa Lambert
Robin Poling
Tracey Queen-Young
Chris Richards
Kevin Stalnaker
