Leadership Shelby County

Leadership Shelby County is open to persons living and/or working in Shelby County at the time of application. A maximum of 40 individuals will be selected to participate in the program.

Class members are chosen by the Leadership Shelby County Selection Committee on their own merits based on the information completed on the application. The Committee seeks representation from a cross section of the community including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, and community-based organizations. The Committee looks for potential participants who demonstrate commitment and motivation to the Shelby County area, policy-shaping responsibility or leadership in employment and/or volunteer organizations resulting in the potential to have significant influence on important issues facing the county, and ability to make the time commitment required by the program.

The nine month program starts with a mandatory Opening Retreat in September and ends in May with the Graduation Ceremony. On each class day, participants have the opportunity to meet community decision makers and to engage them in frank, off the record discussions on current issues. A wide range of topics exposes participants to the decisions facing our communities today. Emphasis is on active, hands-on experience that makes the learning meaningful and interesting.

Because class size is limited and the selection process competitive, it is not unusual for a candidate to be nominated more than one year before being selected. Leadership Shelby County tuition is $1,100.00 per each participant, payable at the time of acceptance. Class members are required to attend all sessions. Applicants must have full support of the organization or corporation they represent.