Leadership Grand Rapids

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Grand Rapids Chamber believes we have it within ourselves to create a community of uncommon greatness. To foster the further development of community trustees, we offer the Leadership Grand Rapids program.

Each year, a class of leaders is accepted into the program to take part in an intensive community and professional leadership program founded on these principles:

Community Connections
Leadership Skills
Diversity
Systems Thinking

What it looks like: Through monthly, full-day sessions focusing on key community issues and topics, participants have a chance to deepen their understanding of our community and develop the broad and inclusive mindset needed for community stewardship from a systems perspective.

The Goal: To create a network of community trustees who act on the need, the desire, and the ambition to work for the common good and serve the primary needs of others by holding our community in trust. Ultimately, we’ll drive systems-level change to create a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.

Program Details

The Leadership Grand Rapids program has capacity for 40 diverse individuals who:

Are a strong leader in their organization and/or community.
Are motivated and interested in learning, self-discovery, community engagement, peer connections; and how to use this experience to build on their community trusteeship to work for the common good and serve the primary needs of others.
Represent a cross-section of business, non-profits, and units of government, professions, ages, cultural perspectives, ethnic backgrounds, and geographical areas throughout the Grand Rapids community.
Willing to commit to being on time and engaged in all LGR day sessions and assigned pre-work
Our team intentionally creates a safe and welcoming space where all voices are heard and valued. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect among all participants. Our programs are designed to promote collaboration and understanding, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to a stronger community for all.

The LGR program was one of the one the most beneficial outcomes in my career. Developing a deeper understanding of what I didn’t know reestablished the lens in which I view the systems in our community. I highly recommend this program for anyone that can strip themselves of their preconceived notions and are ready for new viewpoints.

Jeff KargerJLL

Leadership Grand Rapids is a game changer for understanding this community and equipping participants to make a positive impact in West Michigan.

Beverly RyskampNetwork180

LGR introduced me to strangers who became friends. It showed me how this community works both independently in various sectors as well as together. As a transplant, participating in LGR has made my transition to Grand Rapids that much better. I’m a better leader and person since being a part of this program.

Marcus JacksonFifth Third Bank

LGR gave me a lot of hope - hope in people, hope in Grand Rapids, hope in the power of community. I would encourage anyone who wants to see Grand Rapids be and do better, but doesn't think it will ever happen, to participate.

Andy AllenAYA Youth Collective

The biggest takeaway from my LGR experience is that it doesn't matter where you come from, what your educational or socioeconomic background is - our experiences matter. LGR helped me share my story to our very diverse cohort.

Alma ObandeKent School Services Network

As a transplant to Grand Rapids, LGR afforded me the ability to learn the history of Grand Rapids and related systems. It allowed me to connect with a diverse group of amazing leaders that I normally would not have access to.

Kimberly MooreKids’ Food Basket

LGR was an outstanding experience that accelerated my ability to find causes & organizations that I could serve & support. Having lived outside the area for nearly 20 years, the program helped me gain new perspectives on my hometown through both personal connections and informative day sessions. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to serve as a community trustee with nearly immediate impact.

Drew WessellFiduciary Financial Advisors

Session Dates

Class of 2026

Orientation

Opening Retreat

(overnight accommodations provided)

Day Sessions (Thursdays)

October 16, 2025
November 20, 2025
December 11, 2025
January 15, 2026
February 19, 2026
March 19, 2026
April 16, 2026

Closing Session

Applications for the class of 2026 will open on Monday, March 31.

Sign up for our Talent Development newsletter to receive a reminder when applications open.

Class of 2027

Orientation

Opening Retreat

(overnight accommodations provided)

Day Sessions (Thursdays)

October 15, 2026
November 19, 2026
December 17, 2026
January 21, 2027
February 18, 2027
March 18, 2027
April 15, 2027

Closing Session

Applications due by April 30

Attendance at all program sessions is mandatory to achieve the full value of the program. Persons who cannot adjust their schedules to accommodate full participation should not apply to the program. If selected, participant employers will be required to provide a signature agreeing to their full support for the employee’s time required to participate in Leadership Grand Rapids.

Photo Release: The Grand Rapids Chamber may take photographs or record videos at events for promotional or educational purposes. By applying for this program, you agree to be photographed, included in video footage or otherwise captured for the Grand Rapids Chamber’s promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please contact Jess Jones, Director of Marketing & Events, so we may accommodate your request.

Cost and Scholarships

$ 4,500

$ 5,000

There are a limited number of partial scholarship funds available. If you wish to fill out a scholarship form, you will be prompted to do so at the end of your application.