Leadership Academy

DeKalb Leadership Academy expands your network and further develops your leadership perspective through community exposure and engagement. Maximizing employee potential and encouraging active participation in business and the community are among the goals of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Academy.

Leadership Topics

Personal Evaluation and Development
Public Speaking Skills
Personal Leadership Styles
Networking Skills
Group & Interpersonal Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution
Negotiating Skills
Business Etiquette
Community Service Experiences
Overview of Local Nonprofits
Public Policy Discussions
Government Affairs
Overview of Health Care in our Community
Tours of Relevant Area Facilities
Overview of Area Educational Institutions
Community Stewardship
Better Understanding of Sustainable Economic Vitality of the Area
Community Class Project(s)

2025-2026 Class Members

Learn more about each classmate by clicking on their name to read their biography.

Casey Bachochin - DeKalb Township
Jeff Bivens - 3M
Robin Borgione - Egyptian Theatre
Joyce Bower - Syngenta
Diana Carr - Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb
Isaac Challand - Redeemed Office
Ellen Evans - Opportunity House, Inc.
Emma Fiorini - DeKalb School District 428
Lisa Harris - Northwestern Medicine Surgery Center Sycamore
Abby Hesslau - Family Service Agency
Megann Horstead - Shaw Media
Tiffany Howard - Old National Bank
Jason Kowitt - Huskie Athletic Sponsorships
Emily Kvasnicka - DeKalb Park District
Desirea Lopez - Sundog
Brittany McGee - Chop It Up
Lori North - The Suter Company
Ana Parra Avila - Credit Union 1
Kelvin Pittman - Brian Bemis - Toyota of DeKalb
Lyric Price - Heartland Bank and Trust
Nicole Ruffin - Safe Passage
Charles Schmitt - DeKalb Mechanical
Tony Strikes - 94.9 WDKB

Advisory Committee

Chair: Rylie Kues - Family Service Agency
Vice Chair: Justin Lutz - Heartland Bank & Trust Co.
Secretary: Christine Lagattolla - Northern Illinois University
Heaven Allen - DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board
Casey Bachochin - DeKalb Township
Cathy Doederlein - Northern Illinois University
Kurt Mattson - DeKalb Mechanical
Katherine McLaughlin - DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jane Pearre - LeadingIT
Libby Raih - Raih Vent Cleaning
Lordy Reinink - Old National Bank
Tony Strikes - 94.9 WDKB
Hayes Tiggelaar - Haylo Homes Group/FNBO
Matt Duffy – DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

2026-2027 Applications

Early Bird Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Regular Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Letter of Recommendation Deadline: May 15 (early bird applicants), July 15 (regular applicants)

application & program info

2026-2027 application

recommendation form

Leadership Academy Alumni Swag

Show how you are a proud graduate of Leadership Academy by purchasing Leadership Academy Alumni men and women's apparel! Options include t-shirts, to cardigans, to dress shirts.

SHOP apparel

Graduate Testimonials

There are over 350 DeKalb Leadership Academy graduates. Listen to some of our alumni talk about how going through the program helped them become more powerful leaders.

If you're interested in learning more about Leadership Academy, submit your email and we will contact you. You could be in the next graduating class!

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