Lead Where You Live
Growing Leaders. Strengthening Businesses. Building Community.
Leadership is not defined by a title. It is defined by action.
Every day throughout Westmoreland County, leaders are making a difference—in businesses, nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, local government, and throughout our communities. Some manage large organizations, while others lead teams, projects, or volunteer initiatives. Regardless of their role, the most effective leaders share one common characteristic: they never stop learning.
As President and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, I have had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of exceptional leaders. One lesson has become increasingly clear—continuous education and leadership development are no longer optional. They are essential. Today’s leaders face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, workforce shortages, economic uncertainty, demographic changes, and evolving customer expectations require leaders who can think strategically, communicate effectively, collaborate across organizations, and inspire others to embrace change.
Leadership is a skill that must be intentionally developed. That is why the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch Leadership Westmoreland—a premier, cohort-based leadership experience designed to develop emerging and mid-level professionals into confident, strategic, and community-minded leaders. Our vision is simple: Grow leaders who strengthen their organizations while making a lasting impact throughout Westmoreland County.
Leadership Westmoreland is much more than a classroom experience. Developed in collaboration with the Westmoreland County Department of Human Services, the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, and a diverse group of business and community leaders, the program provides participants with an immersive learning experience that connects leadership theory with real-world application. Throughout the nine-month program, participants will engage with executives and thought leaders from business, government, education, healthcare, economic development, manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations while exploring many of the issues shaping the future of our region.
One of the program’s signature features is our Executive Mentor Initiative. Every participant will be paired with an experienced business or community leader who will provide guidance, share professional experiences, expand networking opportunities, and serve as a trusted advisor throughout the program. These mentoring relationships are designed to continue long after graduation, creating lasting professional connections that benefit both participants and our community.
Participants will also collaborate on a Capstone Community Leadership Project developed in partnership with the Department of Human Services, the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, and other regional organizations. Working together, class members will identify innovative solutions to real community challenges while gaining valuable experience in collaboration, strategic planning, and project leadership.
Leadership Westmoreland is built around practical, hands-on learning through monthly sessions that prepare participants to lead with confidence and purpose.
The 2026–2027 curriculum includes:
- September 17, 2026 – Leadership Foundations
- September 18, 2026 – Capstone Project Launch
- October 22, 2026 – Communication, Influence & Relationship Leadership
- November 19, 2026 – Vision, Strategy & Leadership Execution
- December 17, 2026 – Inclusive & Authentic Leadership
- January 21, 2027 – Workforce, Civic & Community Leadership
- February 18, 2027 – Operational Leadership & Organizational Excellence
- March 18, 2027 – Leading with Financial Insight
- April 15, 2027 – Leading Organizational Change & Transformation
- May 20, 2027 – Capstone Presentations & Graduation
Each session is intentionally designed to strengthen leadership competencies while providing opportunities for participants to build relationships with fellow professionals from across Westmoreland County. The result is a network of leaders committed not only to their own professional growth but also to the long-term success of our region. For employers, Leadership Westmoreland represents an investment in the future of your organization. Employees who complete the program return with enhanced communication skills, stronger strategic thinking, improved decision-making abilities, greater confidence, and a broader understanding of the economic and civic landscape that drives our communities.
For participants, it is an opportunity to elevate your career, broaden your perspective, develop lifelong professional relationships, and become part of a growing network of leaders dedicated to serving Westmoreland County. At the Chamber, we believe our greatest resource is people. When we invest in developing leaders, we strengthen businesses. When businesses become stronger, our communities prosper. Leadership development creates a ripple effect that benefits employees, organizations, families, and future generations.
If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey—or if you know someone within your organization who is ready to grow—I encourage you to learn more about Leadership Westmoreland.
Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural Leadership Westmoreland class beginning in September 2026. To learn more about the program, curriculum, mentor initiative, tuition, and application process, visit:
https://westmorelandchamber.com/leadership-academy/leadership-westmoreland/
Join us as we grow leaders, strengthen businesses, and build an even stronger Westmoreland County—one leader at a time.
