Leadership Columbus is a collaborative effort between the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Columbus Alumni. The program provides a learning experience for existing and emerging leaders of the Columbus area. Participants are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the opportunities, challenges and problems of Columbus and the region.

How long has Leadership Columbus been around?

Created in 1980 by the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Columbus celebrated its anniversary in the year 2000. Leadership Columbus is one of more than 450 Leadership Development programs throughout the United States.

What can a class member expect?

Leadership Columbus participants will enhance their leadership skills and will gain an awareness of the community through a series of one-day sessions, August through June. Topics covered include education, health care, city and state government, utilities, transportation, military, public safety quality of life and economic development. Information is presented through lectures, panel discussions, hands-on activities, tours, on-site visitation and informal question and answer sessions.

How is one accepted into Leadership Columbus?

First, the individual must be nominated for the program by a firm, organization or individual. Once an applicant is nominated, he or she will be asked to complete a detailed application . All applicants are review by a selection committee in mid-June and final participants are selected from all applicants. All nominations must have prior approval of their supervisor, if applicable for this commitment. Supervisors must be aware that the class member will be involved with the program for approximately 140 hours over the eleven month period. CEO’S must approve every application submitted.

How do I apply to Leadership Columbus?

A Leadership Columbus application is available for download from this web site. To be placed on our applicant mailing list complete the application form on this website and email to: aaskew@columbusgachamber.com

In order to receive more detailed information about participating in Leadership Columbus, contact Amy Askew, Program Manager-Leadership Columbus, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1200, Columbus, Georgia 31902 or phone (706) 327-1566.

What is the objective of Leadership Columbus?

The objective of Leadership Columbus is to provide the region with a resource of leadership to guide the community into the future.

Who participates?

Each year, up to 40 people are selected from the Columbus region with emphasis placed on diversity of race, gender and backgrounds. They all have one thing in common : a demonstrated talent and commitment to community leadership. Class members must exhibit the ability and willingness to be involved in the learning process and must make a firm commitment to attend each session of the program, as well as return two years service with the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

How much time is required?

Leadership Columbus will require one day each month from August through June. The time commitment involves:

• Ten one day monthly sessions ( 9 hours per day)
• Eight (8) hours of volunteer time during the nine month period.
• One night to ride with a police officer on patrol or shift at the jail. ( min. 4 hours)
• Attendance at an art event ( Springer, Three Arts, - save ticket stub. ( 3 hrs.)
• Two ( 2) hours to attend a Board of Education meeting.( Have agenda signed by MCSD Board member)
• Two (2) hours to attend a City Council Meeting
• Two (2) hours on a Metra Bus Ride
• Project assignment ( estimated 24 hours over an 11 month period)
• Welcome Reception and Graduation programs
• Attend one Chamber Board Meeting during the year

A COMMITMENT OF 100 PERCENT ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FROM EACH PARTICIPANT.

What is the deadline for this year’s class?

The deadline for Leadership Columbus applications is June 30th of each year.

What happens after the first year?

Probably the largest single benefit of Leadership Columbus is the network that is created. The alumni have a mutual respect for the experience and are committed to working with other Leadership Columbus graduates to improve our community. There is an active Leadership Columbus Alumni program that sponsors informational and social events and distributes a newsletter to alumni members.

Youth Leadership Columbus is a flagship program run by the Alumni in conjunction with the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. High School juniors from public and private schools in the area are selected by their school counselors to enter the leadership program.

You are encouraged to participate in the next year’s Leadership Columbus class days as a day chair or committee member.

You are encouraged to join regional board and commissions to continue public service.

Updated: 3/17/11