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.

Opening Retreat
September (two days)
Objective: To foster team building among Leadership Shelby County class participants and to introduce the Leadership program concepts and processes.
Shelby County Government Day
October
Objective: To create an awareness of the rich heritage of Shelby County and planting seeds for the future.
Education Day
November
Objective: To gain an accurate perspective of education in Shelby County by exposing class participants to educational resources and examining critical issues facing K-12 through higher education.
Justice Day
December
Objective: To gain knowledge and understanding of law enforcement, court system, community corrections and juvenile services.
Health & Community Services Day
January
Objective: To gain knowledge and understanding of what is happening in the healthcare arena and to heighten awareness of preventive strategies for health.
Economic Development Day
February
Objective: To give knowledge and understanding of the various organizations that work together to promote economic and industrial development in Shelby County.
Government Day
March (Montgomery)
Objective: To provide an understanding of the formal and informal processes of non-judicial aspects of state government, ways in which it relates to Shelby County, and ways in which leaders can be effective in the processes.
DiscoverShelby Day
April
Objective: To become aware of assets and amenities we have in the County that attract Shelby County as a tourist destination.
Graduation Ceremony
May
Objective: Graduation ceremony to recognize successful completion of the program.