Leadership Defiance County
Mission
Recognizing high-quality leadership is a precious community resource. As a tribute to the great community leadership of the past, Leadership Defiance County has been established as a program to provide a continual source of skilled, motivated leaders for the ​Defiance Area.
Intent and Purpose
Leadership Defiance County, presented by the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce, is a ten-month program geared to providing current and future leaders an increased awareness of the community and an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills.
2026 - 2027 Leadership Defiance CountyÂ
2026 - 2027 Program Details
The Leadership Defiance County Program is a ten-month program, beginning in August with ten full-day, once-a-month sessions. Classes will be from 8:30am to 4pm. Through a combination of speakers and on-site tours, the program focuses on regional civic issues, economic sectors, and leadership development. Please see the schedule below for anticipated program dates on the following Fridays (schedule subject to change).
2026
- August 28th - Orientation & Team Building DayÂ
- September 25th - Education Day
- October 30th - Government Day
- November 20th - Media & the Arts Day
- December 18th - Real Estate & Agriculture Day
2027
- January 22nd - Criminal Justice & Civil Service Day
- February 19th - Healthcare Day
- March 19th - Service Industries & Non-Profits Day
- April 23rd - Manufacturing & Transportation Day
- May 21st - Financial Services & Graduation BanquetÂ
The 2026 - 2027 class will be selected from the pool of qualified applicants. Applicants must have the approval of their employers and will be selected based on community involvement and leadership potential. Preference will be given to Chamber members and their employees.
Approximately 15-20 people per year, representing a cross-section of the various business sectors of the community, participate in the program. Both individuals and their organizations benefit from the contacts in the community, increased knowledge of the Northwest Ohio area, and enhanced professional skills.
Tuition for 2026 - 2027 class is $995 for current Chamber members and $1,195 for non-members. This is payable by the candidate, employer, or sponsoring organization. Payment is due by August 14, 2026.
Participants must have the full support of their employers or sponsoring organizations, as there is an attendance requirement. The August orientation is mandatory and attendance at eight of the nine remaining sessions is required in order to complete the program. There may be selected reading assignments and additional meetings/events outside of the monthly sessions.