LEAD Peninsula

LEAD fills the need to Learn, Explore, Absorb, and Disseminate the portrait of the Virginia Peninsula!

LEAD Peninsula is a community immersion program, which can best be described as an experience in understanding a community mosaic…the Peninsula mosaic.  LEAD Peninsula fosters opportunities for increased communication and cooperation among the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Through a series of initiatives and programs, the LEAD Peninsula program provides opportunities for both recognized and emerging leaders to work collaboratively on issues of importance to the Peninsula community.

Since 1984, LEAD Peninsula (formally Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula) has been introducing its class members to the major facets of the greater Peninsula community through an intensive ten-month program. The LEAD Peninsula members participate in educational sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community leaders. The goal is to provide intellectual and personal connectivity experiences with the various aspects of our community – business, education, public safety, health and human services, environment, local, state and federal government, workforce development, military and federal impact, transportation, infrastructure (water/sewer), etc.  The objective of this diverse array of topics is to challenge members to see their community as they never have before and to expand their knowledge on the different aspects that influence their community as a whole.

Since its beginning, LEAD Peninsula has graduated over 1000 diverse and accomplished individuals.  While no two participants share completely the same background, all share a commitment to the Virginia Peninsula, influenced by their individual cities and counties as a part of a major economic region.  Most importantly, all participants have a desire to take an active role in determining the Peninsula’s future.

LEAD Peninsula Class of 2021 Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Testimonials

Jenifer Spratley – Director of Marketing and Public Affairs, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (Class of 2019)

“I highly recommend the LEAD Program to any emerging or recognized leader as it is an opportunity to collaborate in an effort to improve many facets of the Peninsula. This is a rare opportunity to experience the inner workings of local organizations, ask questions about their operations and offer feedback. In addition, during the course of the program, you'll explore the mosaic of the Peninsula, meet other leaders and become friends not only during the course of the program, but potentially for a lifetime.”

Jeryl Hill – Engineering Group Manager, Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (Class of 2019)

“This is an excellent program to meet leaders on the peninsula, learn the interaction of many programs, projects, companies and non-profits on the peninsula and Hampton Roads area. This program provides the best cross section of insights into the peninsula in particular. The VPCC has developed this into a learning and insight program that the leaders in this area should take advantage of to the maximum extent possible. It is a minimum impact on the company, and provides a very high return on the investment for the company and the employees.”  “The LEAD Peninsula Program is an excellent program connecting the local community businesses with the vast capability in the region.  The program really opens your eyes to the capabilities, diverse businesses, and opportunities in the Hampton Roads area.  You get insight at a depth that most of the population will never see, and how businesses can have a greater impact on the sustainability of the region.  I highly recommend this program for company leaders, and emerging leaders within the companies, regardless of the size of the company, organization, or type of business.”

Michele Benson – Chief Development Office, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (Class of 2019)

“The LEAD program gave me the opportunity to see different aspects of the Peninsula that were new to me, even though I was born and raised here. I am grateful for the experience and encourage others to take part in learning about our amazing gem...our Virginia Peninsula!”

Chris Larkin - Senior Vice President Customer Solutions, ITA International (Class of 2018)

"What a fantastic experience!! This opportunity increased my awareness and knowledge of the Peninsula community, the businesses, non-profits and people who are working hard to make it better place to live.  The LEAD program also provided a tremendous networking opportunity to meet like-minded peers and build relationships to further strengthen the Chamber's impact on the Peninsula.  I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in our community and desires to make a difference!!!