Testimonials
"The most engaging leadership program I've participated in!"
Lindsay Pennington, Partner and Managing Broker, Garrett Realty Partners
“This transformative program delivers foundational leadership concepts, promotes insightful discussion, and inspires actionable strategies.”
Dawn Hassan, Principal, GuernseyTingle
“This program challenged traditional leadership models through critical reflection.”
Ben Chambley, 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
“The LEAD Higher program was a great experience—and connecting with so many local leaders made it even more impactful.”
Melissa Hazelwood, Director – Social Impact, Ferguson
"The leadership principles shared in LEAD Higher have strengthened my ability to lead cross-sector initiatives in complex, collaborative spaces."
Dr. Jennifer L. Oliver, Director of Community and Government Relations, Hampton City Schools
“The LEAD Higher program encourages bold, values-driven decision-making.”
Ben Chambley, 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
“The LEAD Higher Program helped me improve how I communicate with others personally, professionally, and with myself, internally!”
Kinsey Couch, Adaptive Aerospace Group
“The LEAD Higher program is a highlight of my month—it consistently delivers practical, actionable insights that have made me a more strategic and effective leader.”
Amber Kirby, Drucker + Falk
“The LEAD Higher program helped foster self-awareness and emotional intelligence.”
Ben Chambley, 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
“LEAD Higher can help you better understand yourself as a person and as a leader, allowing space to reflect and refine your leadership skills.”
Nicole Stephens, New Horizons Regional Education Centers | Career and Technical Education Center
“LEAD Higher will strengthen skills in adaptive and inclusive leadership.”
Ben Chambley, 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
About the Program
LEAD Higher is a comprehensive, 12-month, advanced leadership program designed to cultivate and enhance leadership skills among emerging leaders in the community.
The program, developed through a strategic partnership between the Virginia Peninsula Chamber and Christopher Newport University (CNU), will feature one program day per month dedicated to a specific leadership principle. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights, featuring instruction from esteemed CNU professors and engaging conversations with recognized leaders from the Commonwealth’s business community.
LEAD Higher builds on the foundation laid by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s LEAD Peninsula program, although participation in LEAD Peninsula is not a strict prerequisite for this new program. Ideal participants include emerging leaders from the Virginia Peninsula business community, government agencies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.
“Our goal is to equip participants with the tools they need to drive positive change within their organizations and the broader community,” said Chamber President/CEO Bob McKenna. “Partnering with Christopher Newport University to offer this unique and innovative opportunity for emerging leaders really sets this program apart.”
Upon successful completion of the program, each graduate will receive a micro-certification, symbolizing their commitment to leadership excellence and continuous professional development.
"This leadership development program illustrates how building the leaders of tomorrow requires academic institutions, business organizations and experienced professionals to come together today to help lead the way," said Bob Colvin, CNU's Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. “CNU is eager to provide educational opportunities to a range of learners and we look forward to welcoming and engaging with the program's next cohort.”
For more information on the LEAD Higher program, or for questions on the application process, contact Jaime Parrish at jaime@vpcc.org.
Our Partner, Christopher Newport University:
Christopher Newport University is proud to be the hometown university for Newport News. With a range of educational programs serving learners of all ages, Christopher Newport is founded on the values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. CNU's people, programs and facilities are anchored in excellence and that is reflected in its US News ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia. Discover more at cnu.edu.
Class of 2025 Program Dates
Sessions will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM; with the exception of the Retreat and Commencement Ceremony.
January 7, 2025
Retreat
February 4, 2025
Interpersonal Communication
March 4, 2025
Organizational Communication
and Group Dynamics
April 1, 2025
Fundamentals of Systems
May 6, 2025
Leading Across The Divide
June 3, 2025
Strategic Planning
and Building Your Team
July 1, 2025
Followership
August 5, 2025
Change Management
September 2, 2025
Crisis Management
October 7, 2025
Effective Networking and Engaging
November 4, 2025
Dynamics
December 2, 2025
Commencement Ceremony