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            • Leadership Wilmington

            • Leadership Wilmington

            • Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? For more than 40 years, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has offered Leadership Wilmington, the region’s premier program for developing and connecting leaders. With more than 800 graduates, this program has shaped many of the business and community leaders you see making an impact in our region today.

              Each year, a select group of professionals is chosen to form a leadership cohort. Together, participants explore Wilmington’s biggest opportunities and challenges through hands-on experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and conversations with top leaders in government, business, education, and nonprofits. Along the way, they build lifelong relationships and gain the tools to lead with purpose.

              The program culminates in Work on Wilmington, a one-day, participant-led service initiative that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to make a visible difference in our community.

              Step into your potential. Be part of tomorrow’s leaders.

               

            • Session Topics Session Topics

              ​Leadership Wilmington takes participants behind the scenes of our community with a deep dive into the issues, opportunities, and assets that shape our region. Each session focuses on a key topic, offering firsthand insight from experts and changemakers:

              • Arts, History & Culture – Discover how creativity and heritage fuel Wilmington’s unique identity.

              • Environment – Explore the delicate balance between growth and protecting our natural resources.

              • Education – Gain perspective on the pathways shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

              • Health & Human Services – Understand the challenges and solutions impacting community well-being.

              • Infrastructure – Examine the systems that connect, move, and power our region.

              • Social & Criminal Justice – Learn how equity, safety, and fairness are addressed in our community.

              • Business Growth & Development – See what drives economic vitality and entrepreneurship.

              • Politics & Government – Engage with decision-makers and learn how policy influences progress

            • Speakers & Program Structure Speakers & Program Structure

              Each Leadership Wilmington session is led by a mix of program alumni, community leaders, and industry experts who bring real-world experience and insight to the conversation. In addition to exploring Wilmington’s most important issues, participants take part in professional development sessions designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand perspectives.

              The program is interactive — you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, share your own experiences, and learn from your peers as you build a deeper understanding of our community.

              Graduates are recognized with a personalized Leadership Wilmington plaque and gain lifelong membership in the Leadership Wilmington Alumni Network, with opportunities to stay engaged through the Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council.

            • 2025 - 2026 Session Dates & Times 2025 - 2026 Session Dates & Times

              To graduate from Leadership Wilmington, each participant is required to:

              • Attend the orientation, retreat, all monthly program sessions, Work On Wilmington, and graduation.

              • Complete a first draft of their Leadership Philosophy before graduation.

              Active participation and full attendance are essential. Those interested in applying should understand that this program requires a serious commitment. Employers must agree in advance to release participants from regular duties for all scheduled sessions.

              2025–2026 Program Schedule

              Orientation & Retreat

              • July 31, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 pm — Orientation & Networking Mixer

              • August 11–13, 2025 — Three-day/two-night Retreat

              Monthly Program Sessions

              • September 9, 2025 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm — Arts, History & Culture

              • October 14, 2025 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm — Education

              • November 4, 2025 | 7:45 am–5:00 pm — Environment

              • December 9, 2025 | 7:30 am–5:00 pm — Health & Human Services

              • January 13, 2026 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm — Infrastructure

              • February 10, 2026 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm — Business Growth & Development

              • March 10, 2026 | 7:45 am–5:00 pm — Social & Criminal Justice & Public Safety

              • April 7, 2026 | 9:30 am–7:00 pm — Politics & Government

              Capstone & Closing

              • April 18, 2026 | 8:00 am–12:00 pm — Work on Wilmington (community service day)

              • May 5, 2026 | 9:00 am–1:00 pm — Closing Session

              • May 12, 2026 — Graduation

            • Ideal Candidate Ideal Candidate

              Leadership Wilmington is designed for individuals who are ready to grow as leaders and deepen their impact on our community. Participants may be mid-career professionals, rising stars, or established leaders representing corporate, small business, education, nonprofit, or government sectors.

              Ideal candidates demonstrate qualities such as curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving, and a commitment to service. They are open to new perspectives, willing to challenge themselves, and eager to contribute to meaningful conversations about Wilmington’s future.

              Applicants should live or work in New Hanover County and should ideally have been part of the community for at least one year, ensuring they bring both context and commitment to the program.

              Leadership Wilmington is dedicated to building cohorts that reflect the full diversity of our region across industries, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We believe inclusive leadership strengthens our ability to address challenges and drive lasting progress.

            • Tuition & Application Tuition & Application

              The tuition for the program is $2,750. This fee includes the cost of orientation, the retreat, class day meals and snacks, transportation, site visits, facilitator expenses, and program materials. Limited scholarship funds are available to assist with tuition.

              Applications for the 2026–2027 Leadership Wilmington Class open in the Spring of 2026. Email Laura Brogdon-Primavera at primavera@wilmingtonchamber.org for more information.