Congratulations Leadership Class 40! 

Founded in 1984, Leadership Anderson is a 10-month leadership development program devoted to strengthening and dedicating our community leaders. Over 800 local leaders have graduated from the program and continue their commitment to the growth, development and prosperity to Anderson County.

GOALS OF LEADERSHIP ANDERSON
The goals of the Leadership Anderson program are:

• To develop an awareness of community issues by examining the major systems/sectors of our community.
• To challenge participants to respond to the social and economic needs of our community.
• To develop an esprit de corps among participants which will provide common ground for working together on present and future community needs.
• To enhance leadership skills and qualities in participants which lead to creative and insightful community solutions.
• To ensure broad community future leadership by recruiting emerging leaders with diverse social, economic, and professional backgrounds.

   

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Leadership Anderson is a 10-month program that begins with a mandatory two-day opening retreat. During the retreat, each participant’s leadership style is identified along with an evaluation of leadership strengths and weaknesses. In addition, class members take part in team-building activities and problem-solving strategies within a society. Ten full-day sessions are held each subsequent month after the opening retreat. The agendas for the follow-up sessions are developed and facilitated by the Board of Regents, a committee of leadership graduate volunteers. Follow-up sessions include:

• Area Economy
• Arts and Culture
• Civil and Criminal Justice
• Community Inclusion and Health
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Education
• History
• Human Services and Project Development
• Local Government
• Regional Logistics
• State Government

Follow-up sessions include a combination of guest speakers, tours of facilities, and hands-on activities. Class members are allowed only three absences from the follow-up sessions during the program year in order to be eligible for graduation. A graduation ceremony follows the final session.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in applying, please reach out to Liz Brock at lbrock@andersonscchamber.com for the application! 

Applications will open in June 2026 for Class 42. 

The nomination period is OPEN year-round for Leadership Anderson Program.  

TUITION
Tuition for the Leadership Anderson program is $2,000 for members and $2,500 for non-members which includes all costs associated with the opening retreat, follow-up sessions, meals, transportation, and graduation.

                                                 
LEADERSHIP ANDERSON ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Leadership Anderson Advisory Committee governs the leadership development programs offered by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Anderson graduates serve as volunteers and meet monthly to advise and lead the leadership programs. The Leadership Anderson Advisory Committee develops the curriculum and facilitates the monthly class sessions.