Experience our region like never before.

In operation since 1987, Leadership Eastern Connecticut prepares promising leaders for positions of responsibility by acquainting them with significant community processes and pressing issues. Participants will engage in discussions with established leaders, go behind-the-scenes at the region’s key institutions, build their leadership skills, create a lasting network of contacts, and give back to the community with a meaningful group project.

“Absolutely amazing, eye opening, and has really inspired me to get involved in the community.”

Kathy McCarthy-Zaremba

``It's an an incredible way to discover mysteries in our own backyard that we just would have never had any opportunity to visit and explore if we weren't part of the Leadership Program.``

Regan Nichols Branch Manager, Chelsea Groton Bank

Goals and Objectives

The program’s goal is to prepare future community leaders for positions of responsibility by

  • Acquainting them with significant community processes, programs, and problems.
  • Teaching them about involvement opportunities, special challenges, and demands using forums with current leaders.
  • Improving understanding of various economic, social and political forces impacting the community.
  • Providing a network of new community talent for service on public and private commissions, agencies, organizations, and associations.
  • Providing leadership skill-building, including teamwork, communication, decision-making, and more
  • Creating an opportunity to enact newly-learned skills and knowledge through a comprehensive community service project for a local non-profit

FAQ's

Program Qualifications

  • A sincere concern about the future of our state and commitment to help shape its future.
  • Commitment through past and present community involvement.
  • A demonstrated capacity for leadership within the individual’s own organization.
  • A willingness to commit the energy necessary to complete the program (two years), including monthly attendance at all sessions.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of the Leadership Board of Directors, which is comprised of various Leadership graduates.

Participants

Employees, companies, government, and professionals anxious to grow and become more effective.

Tuition

850.00 with a $25 administrative fee (usually paid by employer).
Tuition is non-refundable.

Sessions

The program requires attendance one day per month starting in September and ending in June. Each meeting is held at a location appropriate to the topic of the session so that participants gain a broader view of the community. Business, private and public organizations act as hosts for each program. Typical of the year-long session topics are the following:

  • Orientation
  • Health & Human Services
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Judiciary
  • Military
  • Media
  • Government
  • Tourism, Arts & Transportation
  • Retreat
  • Graduation

Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Only two absences will be permitted for emergency purposes. If candidates are unable to commit to the program schedule, it is not in their best interest to apply at this time. Upon completion of the first year, participants will be assigned to various planning committees (minimum of two) for the sessions of the following Leadership Program year. A participant is expected to attend all planning committee meetings with their respective committees, as well as attend the sessions they assisted in planning.

Format

Each session is planned by a sub-committee of Alumni. The sessions provide participants with a sense of issues germane to the topic. Participants are introduced to the key leaders in each discipline, conducted through a series of discussions, lectures, group discussions and tours. In each session dialogue is established among members of the class. Leadership skills are challenged in a variety of simulation exercises. Finally, participants are asked for regular evaluations so that continuous refinements can be made in the program.

Organizational Structure

The Leadership Program is administered through the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Inc. The Leadership Board of Directors governs program structure, budget, fees and candidate selection.

Alumni

The Alumni provide the direction and support that provides the Leadership Program with a solid, lasting foundation. The Alumni also encourage periodic additional lectures and other updates to keep our graduates in touch with each other and up-to-date with the latest information.

Staff contact:
Megan Gilbert, Director of Programs
860-701-9113