Leadership Programs

Leadership Abilene, a program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, began in 1979 and strives to expose participants to the many services, resources, organizations and businesses that make Abilene unique. Each month (of the nine-month program) the group will attend presentations, tour facilities and interact with representatives from local businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and public offices. 

Anyone 21 and older who is interested in expanding your network and gaining deeper insight and access to all that Abilene has to offer.

This program runs one full day, monthly, from September through May. Usually on a Thursday or a Friday. A mandatory orientation and seven out of the nine program days are required to graduate from the program.

Leadership Abilene participants will walk away with a broader and deeper perspective of the city and their role in it. They gain personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness both within the community and business environment.

Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Abilene benefit from participants’ newfound knowledge of the city. Emerging leaders will add to their leadership toolkit, developing personal skills that will contribute to their role in the workplace. More experienced leaders will
also benefit from finding new opportunities to serve the community and learning firsthand about vital local issues. All participants will expand their network and build strong individual connections to the community, making them more committed leaders.

The business community benefits from the development of a source of high-quality leaders with broadened perspectives prepared to address issues critical to our region's future. The success of the program can be measured by the number of Leadership Abilene graduates who currently
serve the community in volunteer and elected positions.

The tuition for participants of Chamber member organizations is $1,500. Tuition for non-member participants is $1,700. Tuition covers all meals, transportation, lodging, class shirts/nametags, and miscellaneous program-related expenses. The tuition is payable in full on or before September 11, 2024.

The fee may be paid by the applicant, their employer, or by a combination of both. To claim the Chamber of Commerce discount, the employer should be a member of the Abilene Chamber.

Yes! The Class of 2023 set up a scholarship program for those interested in participating that may not be able to swing the cost. To learn more about this process, contact our staff liaison.

Acceptance into the Leadership Abilene program is a competitive process as we receive significantly more applications than spaces allotted.

Each year, the number of applications increases, yet the number we can accommodate in the class remains constant – about 36 participants. Some Leadership Abilene participants have applied multiple times before being accepted into the class.

The typical class size for the program is 36 participants.

Once you have submitted your application form and all other components, your application will be considered complete. The Leadership Abilene Selection Committee will determine who will be invited to join the class. The selection committee is anonymous and seeks to establish a class that represents a strong representation of a diverse group of professional, demographic, and personal attributes and a balance of companies and organizations represented.

The selection committee also seeks candidates who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to community service and a strong motivation to participate in the Leadership Abilene program. Candidates will be notified by letter or phone call regarding class selection by end of July.

Leadership Abilene serves adults of any age who wish to better understand their community and get more involved in community service. The age range of a class typically spans from participants in their mid-20s to their 70s. Diversity of age and experience is considered a strength in selecting a Leadership Abilene class.

The program aims to be inclusive to everyone. We work with candidates who require accessibility and accommodation to ensure they can participate in the program fully.

2024-2025 Chair

Noreen White, Betty Hardwick Center

2023-2024 Past Chair

Adam Lancaster, CCSB-Coleman County State Bank

DAY CHAIRS

Orientation

Allison Alvarez, Arrow Ford

Misti Collier, CCSB-Coleman County State Bank

Economic Development

Shaun Martin, Atmos Energy

Servant Leadership

Stephanie DeLaGarza, Community Foundation of Abilene

Education

Brandi Terry, Cisco College

Austin

Erica Pangburn, Ekdahl Nelson Real Estate

City/County Govt

Kate Alvarez, City of Abilene

Dyess

Cameron Wiley, Dyess Air Force Base

Health

Robb Walker, West Texas Rehabilitation Center

AT-LARGE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mindi Nagy, Abilene Country Club

Kimberly Prater, Gary's Floral Gallery