Gilbert Leadership
Gilbert Leadership is sponsored by:
Founded in 1991, Gilbert Leadership brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership potential and to expose participants to the issues impacting our community. By understanding the needs and concerns in a wide variety of areas, these individuals will be better able to contribute their resources to making a difference in many ways. Class applications are accepted between March 1st and July 5th of each year.
What To Expect
Participants are eligible for graduation upon earning a predetermined number of program points through participation in a combination of learning days, individual community tours, curriculum participation, and the mandatory community project. Additionally, program graduates are asked to help facilitate one learning day during the following fiscal year.
Gilbert Leadership participants can expect to:
- Learn about the many opportunities to serve the Gilbert community and gain an understanding of community processes and programs
- Get first-hand knowledge of the challenges and demands facing Gilbert
- Develop your leadership skills by conceiving, planning, and implementing a group project to benefit the community
- Participate in team-building and community-centric learning days designed to expand your knowledge and leadership traits
- Foster strong and lasting connections with a network of leader
The Gilbert Leadership Steering Committee is a dedicated group of local leaders focused on offering a program to continuously develop future community leaders. This program allows people who live or work in Gilbert to apply to participate in an amazing experience that results in a deeper connection to the community, exploration of leadership principles, an inspired passion to serve, and lifelong connections. As we enter the program’s 33rd class, it represents continuing innovation while also honoring the history it has grown from. Program Chair, Class XXVI
Program Requirements
Gilbert Leadership candidates are required to live or work in Gilbert or be employed by a business holding an active membership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce for at least one year. Candidates should possess a commitment to community involvement and personal growth, and have a desire to improve the local community.
Interested candidates must submit a written application and will then be invited to an in-person interview. Final selection is made by the Gilbert Leadership Board of Directors.
Class applications are accepted March 1st - July 5th each year.
I would highly recommend Gilbert Leadership to anyone who works or lives in Gilbert. It’s an awesome way to get to know the community and obtain such a great appreciation for the Town and the people. The monthly learning days are amazing, organized and FUN! I wish I could go through the program all over again! Vicki Kettner, Class XXVI
Learning Days
Each learning day offers a unique exploration of the community. These days are organized by current Gilbert Leadership Board Members and past class members with careful consideration for providing a robust and impactful experience. Learning Day focuses include:
- Team Building
- Leadercast (a simulcast event)
- History of Gilbert
- Government
- Education
- Economic Development
- Public Safety
- Health & Wellness
- Community & Social Engagement
- Reflect & Connect/Graduation
Leadercast
Leadercast is your all-in-one source to being a leader worth following. Leadercast Live is the world’s largest one-day leadership event, delivering transformative leadership lessons from top experts to nearly 100,000 people across the globe. The Gilbert Chamber Foundation is proud to host a broadcast of this event each year - right here in Gilbert!
Monte Carlo Night
Attendees enjoy an evening of dinner and casino-style games using play money good only at the event. Winnings are exchanged for raffle tickets which can be entered into drawing for raffle items. This event benefits the Gilbert Chamber Foundation in support of programs, including Gilbert Leadership.
Class 32
Janice Adams - Principal
Merilee Baptiste - Midwest Food Bank, NFP
Jim Bisceglie - Town of Gilbert
Doug Caris - Arizona Painting Company
Brenda Carrasco - Town of Gilbert
Lisa Ceballos - Dignity Health
Krista Cox - Gilbert Public Schools
Teresa Dempsey - Fairway Mortgage
Elizabeth Freer - HD SOUTH- Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum
Dan Henderson - Town of Gilbert
Jen Ignacio - Higley Unified School District
Shawn Irula - Town of Gilbert
Nicole Johnson - Higley Unified School District
David Loutzenheiser - Higley Unified School District
Jason Martin - Gilbert Public Schools
Jefferson Martin - Lovitt & Touche/Marsh Mclennan Agency
Linda McGuire - Town of Gilbert - Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department
Ana Monzon - House of Refuge
Richard Morris - Southwest Premier Insurance Agency, LLC
Ejiro Obayomi - Accenture
Erika O'Callaghan - 12News
Tony Rodarte - Activated Health & Wellness
Jennifer Rozenhart - Rozenhart Family Chiropractic
Jake Suggs - MidFirst Bank
Errol Turner - Realtor