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.
Application Deadline is July 15, 2025
2025 - 2026 Leadership Defiance County Application
Send your completed application to michelle.marshall@defiancechamber.com
2025 - 2026 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).
2025
- August 22nd - Orientation & Team Building Day
- September 26th - Education Day
- October 24th - Government Day
- November 21st - Media & the Arts Day
- December 19th - Real Estate & Agriculture Day
2026
- January 23rd - Criminal Justice & Civil Service Day
- February 20th - Healthcare Day
- March 20th - Service Industries & Non-Profits Day
- April 24th - Manufacturing Day
- May 22nd - Financial Services & Graduation Banquet
The 2025 - 2026 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 2025 - 2026 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 1, 2025.
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.