Leadership Hanover is the Hanover Chamber Foundation's premier certificate program. Beginning in September, a class of engaged professionals, seeking to better lead and serve their organizations and our community, gathers monthly.

Sessions focus on leadership philosophy, self-awareness, effective communication, delegation and teamwork, long-range planning, efficient networking, and community and civic engagement. The program includes presenters, panels, workshops, homework, networking activities and more. The LH class learns from an accomplished and diverse faculty of 25+ established leaders from across Hanover and the RVA region. LH is directed by a Steering Team comprised of area business owners and program alumni.

Example of Curriculum

Orientation (September)

Session #1 Self-Awareness & DiSC Assessments

Session #2 Leadership Philosophy

Session #3 Effective Communication

Session #4 Community & Civic Engagement

Session #5 Day at the VA Capitol

Session #6 Delegation, Accountability & Time Management

Session #7 Visioning & Long-Range Planning

Session #8 Final Presentations & Leadership Plans

Graduation Celebration (May)

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulation to the official Class of 2024! This year's group of professionals were wonderfully engaged and dedicated learners. It was a joy to celebrate all their accomplishments at our Graduation Dinner on May 8.

The Hanover Chamber Foundation is proud to share the following graduates of the Class of 2024:

Bernadette A. Cornelius, Town of Ashland

Chad D. Foster, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Daricka D. Jones, Hanover County Government

Hallie R. Pierandozzi, S & S Painting

Janet L. Nowlin, NextHome Integrity Realty

Jonathan S. Gibson, The Branch

Kristin Parrish, RCI Builders

Laura M. Maxey-Nay

Lauren H. Fox, GHT Insurance

Lynnse  L. Davis

Nichole Norman, Schooley Mitchell

Weston E. Stoneman, PawsCienda Pet Resort

William I. Sydnor, Hanover Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Robert G. Yesbeck, Richweb Inc

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See More Photos from Graduation!

LH GOES TO THE CAPITOL

Our Leadership Hanover group had an empowering experience at the State Capitol!  The journey to the General Assembly represents a culmination of our collective dedication to leadership, community, and service. It's a chance for us to deepen our understanding of the legislative process and connect with policymakers who shape the future of our state. We extend our gratitude to sponsors who have enabled this day to be part of the LH program.

Three, of eight, sessions remain in this year's course. Our time spent on leadership philosophy, effective communication, delegation and branding has been meaningful. We look forward to the Capitol trip setting the stage for learning more about visioning, community and civic engagement in the coming months. Together, we're committed to making a positive impact in Hanover County.

Sponsorship Opportunities Partners of Leadership Hanover receive promotion throughout the 9-month program. Opportunities range from $50-5,000. Click to download our sponsor packet; please send any inquiries to Melissa Haley. *Your donation to this program, hosted by our 501c3 organization, may be tax deductible!

2023 Graduate Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Leadership Hanover program and would encourage anyone to participate in it. The classes were well thought out, the activities were fun and engaging, and I met several other Hanover professionals that I will have a lifelong friendship with." - Todd Kilduff, Hanover County

"Leadership Hanover is an exceptional, engaging program that gives its participants on opportunity to not only learn from the facilitators and speakers but from your fellow participants. I take any opportunity I can to learn something new and develop my leadership skills. LH was an excellent opportunity to do so. My main take-a-ways from the program was learning what type of leader I am and how to best use that to help others develop their own leadership skills and the relationships I built with everyone involved." - Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

"I joined the leadership team with my company, Journey Business Solutions in April. I joined the chamber a few short months later and saw the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills with Leadership Hanover. The structure of LH encourages group and individual thinking, introducing several leaders within the community, and fosters a synergy with professionals across many fields and experience levels. I highly recommend this course for those who lead or have set a goal to be better within their profession." - Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions

"The best takeaway from the Leadership Class is that it challenged me to think differently. As a new small business owner it was healthy to think differently from the day-to-day operations. I would recommend the class to anyone to gain altitude in their planning processes vs. being grounded in the routine operation of a business. 5 stars!" - John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors

Class of 2023 Graduation Celebration

The Hanover Chamber Foundation is proud to share news of our Leadership Hanover graduation on May 11, 2023! Food and fellowship at our Graduation Celebration accompanied an overview of the 8 sessions, appreciation to sponsors, recognition of our outstanding faculty and thanks to the employers and family who supported the graduates along the way.

Congratulations, LH Class of 2023 graduates!

Grant Grindstaff, Hanover County Treasurer's Office 

Nathena Haddrill, Rogers-Chenault, Inc.

Michael Helbig, Ashland Police Department

Jacob Hollingsworth, Journey Business Solutions

Josh Kegel, R-CI Builders

Todd Kilduff, Hanover County Deputy Administrator

Danielle Kollman, RBI Services

John Krug, Oasis Senior Advisors

Adrienne Long, Ortho Virginia

Tricia Reagan, Syncroz Language Solutions

Jesse Smith, Chick-Fil-A

Deanna Turner, Anton Paar

Emily White, Shipp & Wilson Landscaping

Amelia Wright, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Click Here to See the full Gallery of Graduation Photos!

2022 Graduate Testimonials

"I am so grateful to have been a part of Leadership Hanover! The program was extremely well organized from start to finish and session topics were relevant and applicable to my career. I made great connections with students, steering committee and speakers that I look forward to continuing even when the program is over." - Catherine Sydnor; Kimley-Horn

"I had a wonderful experience with Leadership Hanover! The program was very well put together by the hardworking Hanover Chamber Foundation staff who were truly invested in each of our careers and eager to assist us with our leadership skills. The guest speakers brought in were strategically thought-out and brought a great balance to the curriculum. I highly encourage anyone in Hanover who is looking to improve their leadership qualities and invest more in themselves to partake in this excellent program!" - Bobby Broyles; Blazer Heating and Air

"As a growing professional, Leadership Hanover provided a vast amount of skills, techniques, thought provoking opportunities and personal connections. It was an honor to learn among a strong group of classmates/professionals and be taught by some of the most accomplished business personnel from the local area. It has been enlightening to apply the strategies learned, not just in my career, but also in my personal life. LH is a great building opportunity all around." - Niki DeSantis; Pixel Factory