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)

2021-2022 Class Members

Peyton Adams - 94.9 WDKB
Daveyon Bradley - Sundog
Jessica Brady - Family Service Agency
Melinda Cattell - DeKalb High School
Cathy Doederlein - Northern Illinois University
Katie Keenon - Northwestern Medicine
Dominique McIntyre - Opportunity House
Kirsti McNeece - Heartland Bank
Claudia Moreno - First Midwest Bank
Sara Myers - OC Creative
Pete Plauck - 3M
Brandon Pugh - Egyptian Theatre
Holly Robisch - Home2 Suites by Hilton DeKalb
Alison Taylor - Tails Humane Society
Sheridan Threadgill - Kishwaukee United Way
Katie Watts - Adventure Works
Stephanie Weinberger - FNBO
Scott Zak - City of DeKalb

Advisory Committee

Chair: Kasey Sheley - Sundog
Vice Chair: Erin Arnold - Fidelity Investments
Secretary: Peyton Adams - 94.9 WDKB
Tia Anderson - Heartland Bank & Trust
Dale Boughton - Sundog
Cathy Doederlein - Northern Illinois University
Cindy Green-Deutsch - Old National Bank
Devyn Grzywa - FNBO
Jeanine Holcomb - Egyptian Theatre
Erica Huerta - FNBO
Katie Lee – RAMP
Berizabet Mishler - FNBO

Sara Myers - OC Creative
Ed Valdez - Crum-Halsted Insurance & Risk Management
Matt Duffy – DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Academy group working together at a table

2023-2024 Applications

Applications are due Friday, June 30th. All three recommendation forms are due Friday, July 14th. Contact us at (815) 756-6306 with questions.

Applications

Recommendation forms

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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