By Elaine Kessler
Director, Foundation and Community Impact
Each morning for one week in August, I stepped out of my hotel into the soft golden light of a Pennsylvania summer. The walk to Villanova University’s campus was nothing short of idyllic—tree-lined paths, the gentle hum of early risers, and the quiet anticipation of a day filled with learning. There’s something grounding about starting the day on foot, slowly marching into a new and unchartered experience.
I had the privilege of attending the Northeast Institute for Organization Management at Villanova, and I can say without hesitation: the highlight of the week was the quality of the education. From the moment we began, it was clear that this was more than a professional development program—it was a deeply collaborative learning experience.
The U.S. Chamber’s IOM program is a premier training initiative designed for nonprofit professionals, chamber executives, and association leaders. It’s a four-year curriculum that blends foundational knowledge with advanced strategies in areas like governance, membership development, financial stewardship, and leadership. What makes it truly special is its emphasis on both personal and organizational growth. The program doesn’t just teach you how to lead—it helps you understand why you lead and who you’re leading for.
As a First-Year participant, I was pleasantly surprised at the kindness, the openness, and the warm hospitality of the staff and support team leading the week. They paved the way for a truly memorable and engaging experience.
As someone who deeply loves chamber work, I found this week especially affirming. Chambers of commerce are the heartbeat of our communities—connecting businesses, advocating for local economies, and creating spaces where innovation and collaboration thrive. The work we do is rooted in service, and it’s driven by a belief that strong communities are built through strong relationships. Being surrounded by others who share that passion was energizing and inspiring.
From classroom education to lessons learned over happy hour to conversations during downtime, the ideas shared were rich and the perspectives gleaned were valuable.
The facilitators were not only skilled but also incredibly generous with their insights. Each session was a masterclass in engagement, with conversations that stretched our thinking and challenged our assumptions. The diversity of perspectives in the room added layers of depth to every discussion. Whether we were exploring strategic planning, leadership ethics, or member engagement, the opportunities to learn were abundant and meaningful.
I’m especially grateful for the expert faculty who guided us with clarity and compassion, and for my fellow participants—colleagues who shared generously, listened openly, and created a climate of understanding that made it easy to connect and grow. The week was a reminder of how powerful it is to learn in community and to be surrounded by people who are committed to excellence and authenticity.
What a truly enriching week. I leave Villanova inspired, equipped, and deeply thankful—for the education, the connections, and the reaffirmation of why this work matters so much. I look forward to reconnecting with my cohort next year…and with the beautiful and reflective opportunities those gorgeous east coast morning walks provide.