LEAD Higher

LEAD Higher is a comprehensive, 12-month, advanced leadership program designed to cultivate and enhance leadership skills among emerging leaders in the community.

Applications are open for the inaugural cohort, which will begin in January 2025 and be limited to 25 participants.

The program, developed through a strategic partnership between the Virginia Peninsula Chamber and Christopher Newport University (CNU), will feature one program day per month dedicated to a specific leadership principle. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights, featuring instruction from esteemed CNU professors and engaging conversations with recognized leaders from the Commonwealth’s business community.

LEAD Higher builds on the foundation laid by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s LEAD Peninsula program, although participation in LEAD Peninsula is not a strict prerequisite for this new program. Ideal participants include emerging leaders from the Virginia Peninsula business community, government agencies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

“Our goal is to equip participants with the tools they need to drive positive change within their organizations and the broader community,” said Chamber President/CEO Bob McKenna. “Partnering with Christopher Newport University to offer this unique and innovative opportunity for emerging leaders really sets this program apart.”

Upon successful completion of the program, each graduate will receive a micro-certification, symbolizing their commitment to leadership excellence and continuous professional development.

"This leadership development program illustrates how building the leaders of tomorrow requires academic institutions, business organizations and experienced professionals to come together today to help lead the way," said Bob Colvin, CNU's Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. “CNU is eager to provide educational opportunities to a range of learners and we look forward to welcoming and engaging with the program's first cohort.”

For more information on the LEAD Higher program, or for questions on the application process, contact Jaime Parrish at jaime@vpcc.org.