By Susan Williams, Chamber President/CEO

I participated in my first formal leadership program in 2005, right here in Venango County. Similar to Leadership Venango, the nine-month program included exploration of our region and introduced us to local leaders, through topics that we would be likely to encounter. Looking back, I can identify the connections and relationships as the most valuable aspect of my participation.

As we envisioned Leadership Venango, my reference to that past was accompanied by the models of successful leadership programs across the country. With a little anxiety, we launched Leadership Venango in the fall of 2018, with our first class of 12 participants. We had a vision of “preparing our future leaders.” By the end of that first year, the anxiety was gone, replaced with assurance in knowing that meaningful relationships had been forged.

We just graduated our fourth class— the largest yet. This year’s class had the greatest age and experience range, adding to the overall diversity. Perhaps the most critical aspect of leadership is the ability to use your current level of experience, along with the point-in-time and people you are sharing your time with, to explore how to grow towards better. Our leadership journey should be continually evolving, in connection with those around you.

With this in mind, we are updating our logo and messaging to “preparing leaders for a better future,” which more accurately reflects our intention to deliver a program that is relevant, regardless of what stage of leadership you are in.

Each class of Leadership Venango promises to introduce participants to other leaders who are navigating the current challenges of the community and workplace. While the curriculum is continually evaluated, by the class and organizers (Tessa and myself), we are learning that the experience will be unique each year. The Class of 2019 could never have imagined what it would be like to lead through a pandemic. The Class of 2022 will never know a world not impacted by the hardships of the past two years.

Our vision for preparing leaders also includes connecting them across graduating classes, through a robust alumni network. We have begun the work on this and for the first time, invited all past graduates to join us for graduation, a chance to meet and celebrate together.

Enrollment for the class of 2023 is well underway. You can apply online now or reach out to us for more information!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s June 2022 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.