Leadership Hanover is an interactive learning experience which guides participants through philosophy and skill development.

LH is for you if…

-You’re emerging into or in a new leadership role

-You’re in a transitional phase of your career

-You’re a lifelong learner committed to evolving your success

The 9-month academy focuses on 8 core development goals, uses a variety of learning methods to keep you engaged and offers experienced faculty from academia and business. LH is a unique opportunity to learn beside peers in a wide range of industries.

Download the Class of 2024 Recruitment Packet

Click Over to the Event Portal to Apply Today!

Dates & Participation The program will begin in September 2023. Participants are required to attend 10 events over a 9-month period - to include orientation, monthly sessions, a group activity, final presentations and graduation. The monthly sessions will occur on the second Tuesday of each month from 1-5pm. Orientation and Graduation will take place on evenings to be announced. Locations and dates will be shared with the class in the summer; all locations will be within Hanover County.

Application & Tuition Applications, accepted by email, are due by July 31, 2023 (or until the class is filled). A $50 non-refundable fee, paid on the Foundation website with a card or by check, is due at the time of application and will go towards tuition if accepted ($1,500 Chamber Members; $1,800 non-members). Acceptance will be emailed within two weeks of application. Tuition balance is due by September 30, 2023.

Sponsorship Opportunities Partners of Leadership Hanover receive promotion prior to and throughout the 9-month program. Opportunities range from $400-5,000. A sponsor packet will be available soon; please send any inquiries to Melissa Haley. *Your donation to this program, hosted by our 501c3 organization, may be tax deductible!

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!

Leadership Hanover Class of 2023 

Great leaders are always learning – which is a key value for the 15 participants in Hanover Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 9-month “Leadership Hanover” program. The second annual class kicked-off with a joyful orientation in September and launched into its first 4-hour monthly session on October 11^th.

            Session 1, entitled “Self-Awareness and Personal Growth,” featured Dr. Stewart Roberson, Chairman and President/CEO of Moseley Architects, who presented “Ten Lessons Learned About Effective Leadership.” His discussion opened the conversation about characteristics that prove true leadership. A workshop focused on DiSC followed, hosted by Todd Bradberry, CEO/Founder of Parallel Management, and Troy Forehand of AdviCoach. DiSC is an acronym that stands for the four main personality profiles described in the DiSC model: (D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness and  (C)onscientiousness. Students had time to consider how their traits inform their decisions, how to adapt to others needs and how to resolve conflict.

            Dr. Jamelle Wilson, Dean of the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies, led session 2 on November 8^th entitled “Leadership Philosophy.” She coached participants to live into their values (given and sought) and how authentic leaders will always bring out the best in themselves and their teams. A dynamic panel followed, where John Budesky, Hanover County Administrator, and Leigh Sewell, President for Bon Secours’ Memorial Regional Medical Center and Rappahannock General Hospital, joined Dr. Wilson in sharing candid experiences that have built their careers.

            With six sessions remaining, excitement and engagement are high! Leadership Hanover is made possible by the Hanover Chamber Foundation and the generous donations of program sponsors AdviCoach, Atlantic Union Bank, Hanover County Economic Development, McCandlish Holton PC, RCI Builders and partners Covenant Woods and the Hanover Tavern.  

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