Nominations for the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2023-24 are now open, Toya Moore, leadership development director, Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, has announced.
“Our Leadership Chattanooga graduates tell us our program propelled them to a deeper level of understanding of how our community works and, equally important, how they can give back with intention and purpose,” Ms. Moore said. “Often, Leadership Chattanooga grads talk about the long-term bonds they forge – many of these are between people who might not have encountered one another otherwise.
“Our Leadership Chattanooga program explores a new sector of our community in each monthly session, including education, job readiness, government structure and creating inclusive economies.”
Participants also receive additional leadership development through meaningful self-reflection, peer coaching, community service projects and networking opportunities, including meeting with state leaders.
Up to 45 people participate in Leadership Chattanooga each year, selected through a competitive application process and review, which the Leadership Chattanooga Selection Committee conducts. Committee members evaluate candidates based on:
• Sincere commitment, motivation and interest in serving our community;
• Demonstrated dedication to civic engagement through volunteer activities ;
• Interest in public service through seeking elected office, volunteering for a nonprofit board or other key leadership roles;
• Recognized potential for career advancement to top leadership positions; and
• Alignment with the diversity of our community through representation of diverse economic sectors, professions, viewpoints, ages, cultural perspectives, ethnic backgrounds, and geographical areas throughout Hamilton County/Chattanooga.
“It’s easy to nominate candidates,” Ms. Moore said. “After a fairly simple nomination via our website, the candidates themselves complete an application packet that includes letters of recommendation and other easy-to-complete forms.”
Nominations open Feb. 6 and end March 20 here.
Learn more about Leadership Chattanooga here.
All sessions, including orientation and retreat, are being planned for in-person engagement. Chattanooga Chamber leadership will monitor health department recommendations thoroughly throughout the program to ensure in-person meetings are safe.
The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading business association and economic development organization for the Chattanooga region. Founded in 1887, the Chattanooga Chamber’s membership consists of nearly 1,800 companies of all sizes which employ more than 80,000 people.
The Chamber Foundation is a separate and related entity established in 1969 for the purpose of economic development, which it carries out through a public-private partnership called Chattanooga Climbs. The Chattanooga Chamber has won many national awards for recruitment, marketing and existing industry support and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with five stars.
Established in 1984, Leadership Chattanooga is a 10-month leadership development program for local, mid-career professionals. Leadership Chattanooga, offered by our Chattanooga Chamber Foundation, helps employers retain talent by providing comprehensive leadership training through experiential learning opportunities, community service projects and interaction with our community's top leadership.