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OVER 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 1983-2024

Leadership Denison was founded in 1983 and continues to enjoy a stellar reputation as a program of the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce.  Since its beginning, Leadership Denison has graduated over 500 leaders for Denison and the Texoma Region.

 

LEARN leadership skills and vital information about the community that will connect you with the resources you need to succeed.

NETWORK with a community of contacts while developing life-long business and personal friends.

EXPERIENCE the community through the varied monthly programs.

 

Leadership logo 2023 Gold and Black

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

OUR MISSION

The program is dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable and business organizations.  Candidates develop friendships and become part of an ever-growing network of community leaders that can be life-changing.  Leadership Denison graduates currently serve in numerous elected positions and serve on civic boards throughout the region.

The Benefits and VALUE

FOR PARTICIPANTS

Leadership Denison participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community while developing a valuable communications network among civic, business, and educational leaders. They develop the personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environments.

FOR THE COMMUNITY

Denison and the Texoma area benefit from the development of a source of high-quality leaders with broadened perspectives prepared to address issues critical to Denison's future. The success of the program can be measured by the number of Leadership Denison graduates who currently serve the community in volunteer, elected, and appointed positions.

FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Denison benefit from the graduate's newfound knowledge of the city's inner workings and the development of the personal skills that increase their effectiveness in the professional environment.

The CURRICULUM

Retreat

Begin the program by attending a full-day retreat that familiarizes you with the program. Engage in team-building exercises, strengths assessment, and examine leadership styles.

Tourism/History

Learn about the history of Denison and how it came to be the great city it is today. Learn why our history is a huge asset to our community, what guides tourism to our area, and why it is important to our success.

Economic & Workforce Development

Denison Development Alliance leads this full-day of a "deep-dive" into why Denison is a great place to bring business. Workforce trends and issues facing businesses are discussed along with tours of various facilities.

City/County/State Govenrment

Leaders from our City, County and State give you a first-hand look at how our government functions and how each organization works together for the benefit of the community. Hear from leaders and elected officials and sit in on a Denison City Council meeting.

Social Services

Gain an understanding of the various entities that serve the social needs of our community and how the agencies are crucial to our success.

Healthcare Services

Lead by Texoma Medical Center learn about issues facing the healthcare industry and how Denison and Texoma are leaders in innovation and technology, leading the industry with the most up-to-date equipment and procedures.

Education

Visit Denison ISD and Grayson College and participate in discussions with education leaders about common issues and challenges facing their institutions. Learn about the ever-changing and advancing opportunities for our youth.

Project

Your final month, April is dedicated to "A Day of Service". Your class will divide into teams, and recruit local businesses and leaders to offer their
employees to help serve a day of service in Denison and/or Texoma region. Learning the value of giving back is one of the key components of Leadership Denison.

Applicant REQUIREMENTS

When participants are selected, it is with an eye toward diversity to encourage collaboration of ideas and viewpoints.  Leadership Denison is not a starting point, but rather a professional development opportunity for individuals who are both acknowledged and aspiring leaders.  All candidates should demonstrate:

  • A passion for the people and future of Denison and a personal commitment to help improve the quality of life in the Texoma Area.
  • A demonstrated commitment to the community through past and current activities.
  • A capacity for leadership within their own organizations through significant achievements.
  • A willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program requirements, which requires the full support of their organization.
  • A commitment to supporting the continuation of leadership in the Denison and Texoma area.
  • A willingness to accept leadership roles within civic, charitable, and community organizations.

Applicant REQUIREMENTS

Selected candidates MUST commit to the following requirements:

  • Mandatory attendance at the Meet & Greet, Full-day Retreat and Graduation.
  • Attendance at ALL class days, with the allowance of one absence.
  • FULL participation - breaks are provided to allow checking of email and messages.
  • A commitment to be on time, respecting the time of other candidates and presenters.

The Cost

CHAMBER MEMBERS$ - 750.00

FUTURE MEMBERS - $950.00

Tuition can be financed by the individual, the employer, or a sponsoring organization (cost is subject to change). Payment is due in full before the first session unless other arrangements have been approved.

Completed application packets are due on or before July 31, 2023.  The Class of 2024, will be announced in mid-August.

OUR ADVISORS

JOHN AKERS, HISTORY AND TOURISM ADVISOR

DR. MOLLY HARRIS, EDUCATION ADVISOR

TIFFANY BARNEY, ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE ADVISOR

AMY LAY, CITY ADVISOR

JULIE LAWLER, COUNTY ADVISOR

KATIE EUBANK, SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR

JENNIFER REED, HEALTHCARE ADVISOR

RONNIE COLE, CLASS ADVISOR

DIANA THEALL, LEADERSHIP DENISON ADVISOR