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Leadership Champlain
Where Vermont's Leaders Take Shape
What if you had a backstage pass to how Vermont actually works — and a seat at the table to shape what comes next? Leadership Champlain, a program of the Lake Champlain Chamber, brings together emerging and established leaders from across industries to explore, connect, and lead with purpose. For more than 35 years, this program has helped professionals deepen their understanding of the region, expand their networks, and step into meaningful leadership roles across Vermont.
Why Leadership Champlain?
Because leadership here isn't learned in isolation. It's built through experience, perspective and connection.
From September through June, you'll engage in a dynamic, hands-on experience that challenges how you think, strengthens how you lead and expands who you know.
Explore Vermont's most pressing issues alongside the people working on them
Build leadership skills through real-world application
Develop lasting relationships across sectors and industries
Discover where and how you can make an impact
Graduates leave not just informed, but activated — with the tools, confidence, and network to lead.
What You'll Experience
An immersive journey that blends learning, action, and connection — from September through June.
What You’ll Gain
With more than 1,200 alumni, Leadership Champlain offers a network that continues to open doors long after graduation. By the end of the program, you won't just understand leadership — you'll practice it.
Greater Confidence
in your leadership style and decision-making
A Deeper Understanding
of Vermont's economic, social and civic landscape
A Powerful, Cross-sector Network
of peers and mentors
Clear Pathways
to engage in your community and lead change
Who Should Apply
The program is intentionally diverse, bringing together voices from across industries, backgrounds and perspectives. Leadership Champlain is designed for people who are ready to lean in.
Ideal candidates:
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Demonstrate leadership potential in their work or community
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Care deeply about Vermont and its future
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Are motivated to grow personally and professionally
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Want to turn curiosity into action and impact
Commitment
This is a meaningful investment of time and energy and that's what makes it transformative.
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A two-day Opening Retreat (September)
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Monthly full-day sessions (typically 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
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5–10 hours per month on group projects and preparation
Join the Next Cohort
Leadership Champlain is more than a program. It's a catalyst for connection, growth, and impact.
If you're ready to better understand your community, expand your leadership, and help shape Vermont's future, this is your moment.
Applications are open each year from January through April.