"Strengthening Leadership, Building Community"
Applications for the Class of 2027 are open!
Deadline is April 21, 2026.
Program Overview
Leadership Champlain is a professional development and community engagement program of the Lake Champlain Chamber with a mission to foster growth and leadership in professionals who will serve our community now and in the future.
Leadership Champlain consists of retreats, full-day seminars, service projects, discussion groups and community tours from September to June. Participants meet monthly to explore critical community issues, examine themselves as leaders, and build relationships of trust and understanding.
The program objectives are to provide awareness and exposure to the most relevant issues and leaders; to increase cultural competency and experience diverse perspectives; to develop leadership skills and personal strengths by engaging in reflective and collaborative activities.
Graduates of the program will leave steeped in knowledge about the biggest issues our community faces, inspired to get involved where they are interested, and connected to the right leaders to make a change.
Each day of Leadership Champlain is focused on a different sector. Over the course of the class year the cohort covers Human Services, Business and Economy, Government and Politics, Public Safety and Justice, Education, Healthcare, Energy and Environment, and Arts and Culture.
Interested in Applying Next Year?
Fill in the expression of interest form below and we'll keep you posted on when applications open again – typically January to April every year.
Ideal Applicant
- Holds a position of or has potential for leadership in their employment or volunteer organization;
- Demonstrates a strong interest in and commitment to the community;
- Aspires to utilize leadership skills through service for the long-term benefit of the community;
- Has obvious potential for growing personally and impacting change;
- Is willing to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program.
Selection Process
The Leadership Champlain Selection Committee is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and seeks to accept a diverse class representative of our community.
Leadership Champlain is committed to the recruitment and selection of applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender identity or expression, or any other factor or characteristic protected by law.
Leadership Champlain is also committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Director of Workforce and Education, Alex Bunten.
Program Schedule
After the two day Opening Retreat, Seminar Days are typically set for the second Tuesday of every month from October to June.
Provisional program dates for the Class of 2027 are:
Opening Retreat
Sept. 17-18, 2026 (required two-full days of programming and overnight stay)
PROVISIONAL Seminar SCHEDULE
Human Services – Oct. 13
Government and Politics – Nov. 10
Business and Economy – Dec. 8
Public Safety and Justice – Jan. 12
Education – Feb. 9
Healthcare – March 9
Energy and Environment – April 13
Arts and Culture – May 11
Graduation – June 8
Commitment
All members of the cohort must be able to attend eight of the nine program days and the mandatory two-day overnight retreat in September.
All members of the cohort must be able to commit to 5-10 hours of additional work per month throughout the program. This time will be spent on two separate group projects and any necessary pre-reading that is distributed prior to program days.
Members of the cohort should expect to be in Leadership Champlain sessions from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the seminar days.
Tuition & Fees
Application Fee:
A non-refundable $50 application fee is required for your application to be reviewed. Payment can be made at this link or by sending a check.
This fee enables us to offer financial assistance. If this fee presents a barrier to your application, please email us. It can be adjusted or waived upon request.
Class of 2027 Program Tuition:
– Chamber Members: $2700
– Non-Members: $3400
Candidates will be notified of acceptance by the end of June.
If you have any questions, please contact Alex Bunten, Director of Workforce & Education, [email protected], 802-863-3489, ext 201
Advisory Board Members
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- Jess Lukas, Chair, LC20, YMCA
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- Michele Karode, Vice Chair, LC24, UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships
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- Jen Kaulius, LC20, UVM Health Network
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- Christian Chorba, LC19, DRM
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- Charlotte Hackett, LC22, State of Vermont
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- Erin Evarts, LC21, Mercy Connections
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- Mary-Katherine Stone, LC22, UVM, State Representative
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- Matthew Sjoblom, LC24, EastRise Credit Union
Program Sponsors
