The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Greater Worcester Community Foundation, co-sponsors of Leadership Worcester, announced today that the application process for the 2017-18 class is now open. Application deadline is June 2, 2017. Now in its third 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.
“Leadership Worcester has exceeded all of our expectations,” said J. Christopher Collins, Chair, Founding Advisory Council. “We have graduated 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 2017 with a two-day overnight retreat. Daylong sessions will take place on the third 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:
Participants will be notified of their acceptance in the Summer of 2017.
“Leadership Worcester has exceeded all of our expectations,” said J. Christopher Collins, Chair, Founding Advisory Council. “We have graduated 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 2017 with a two-day overnight retreat. Daylong sessions will take place on the third 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 cityA commitment to remain involved in the City/surrounding area for at least five years
“It's been satisfying to see the enthusiasm and energy with which participants have embraced Leadership Worcester over the past two years. There has been great synergy between the reinvigoration of the Leadership Worcester program and the tremendous growth that we are experiencing in the City of Worcester and throughout the region. It's an exciting time to be here and to watch the community and our future leaders flourish in tandem.” said Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The future for both are bright and the Worcester Regional Chamber couldn't be more pleased than to partner with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to offer this program to our rising young leaders. We're looking forward to the third class and their unique set of skills and experiences that they will bring to the table.”
“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
Participants will be notified of their acceptance in the Summer of 2017.