The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Greater Worcester Community Foundation, co-sponsors of Leadership Worcester, announced today that the application process for the 2016-17 class is now open. Application deadline is May 2, 2016. Now in its second year, the program will identify motivated individuals who aspire to take an active leadership role in Worcester and the surrounding towns and are interested in learning and honing new leadership skills for the long-term benefit of the community.

“The first year of the reinvigorated Leadership Worcester has exceeded all of our expectations,” said J. Christopher Collins, Chair, Founding Advisory Council. “We are happily graduating a group of bright, motivated people who now have the requisite background and knowledge of all things Worcester to assume meaningful leadership roles in the community. The group has developed strong personal bonds that will benefit them and our city going forward. Our intent is to keep this positive momentum going by actively soliciting applicants for our next class.”

Participants in Leadership Worcester represent all sectors of the community—business, non-profit, education, and government. The nine-month program will begin in September 2016 with a two-day overnight retreat. Daylong sessions will take place on the second Thursday of the month from October to May. Each session will explore a regional topic and will help participants acquire an understanding of the critical issues impacting Central Massachusetts economy, government, and quality of life.

The program emphasizes key leadership attributes such as flexibility, excitement for new opportunities, motivation, creativity, facilitation skills, and respect for diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The program is seeking applicants who bring:
  • A proven record of leadership capacity
  • An eagerness to have a personal impact, in collaboration with others
  • A passion and commitment to making Worcester a leading, livable city
  • A commitment to remain involved in the City/surrounding area for at least five years
    “This first year of Leadership Worcester has been an eye-opening experience not only for the participants but also for our organizations, as we dug deep into industry sectors and learned more about the challenges and heard creative ideas for solutions,” said Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “I am looking forward to a continued partnership with the alumni of the inaugural class and can't wait to see the various types of leadership roles they will seek in our community to keep the momentum going.”

    “Graduates of Leadership Worcester are more aware of the issues and willing to step into roles of service and leadership, whether on boards, commissions, or other efforts that drive community change,” said Ann Lisi, President & CEO, Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

    Applications are available online at
www.leadershipworcester.com and are due by the end of day on May 2, 2016. A nomination from an employer is recommended if an applicant is employed and at least one letter of recommendation is required if an applicant is applying as a volunteer/resident or is self-employed. A limited amount of scholarship assistance has been made possible through the generosity of Worcester foundations, including Fuller Foundation, Stoddard Charitable Trust, Hoche-Scofield Foundation, George I. Alden Trust, the Fletcher Foundation, and other private donations.

Participants will be notified of their acceptance in the Summer of 2016.