Leadership Fayette prepares the leaders of tomorrow.  In this eight-month program, participants will gain:

• An in-depth view of critical issues facing our community
• Personal leadership skills awareness and development
• Access to opportunities for community involvement
• Opportunities to discuss key issues with community leaders
• New and strengthened relationships with peers

The nine-month program includes a mandatory two-day orientation retreat, and seven (7) full-day sessions, and a Graduation Dinner. In addition, each candidate is required to participate in the class project(s) as well as various community events and volunteer opportunities. Sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of the month from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except for orientation retreat in August and the Graduation Dinner)

Local, regional and state leaders will share their knowledge and perspectives through presentations, interactive sessions, role plays, panel discussions and hands-on activities.  Class formats will demonstrate real situations, challenges and opportunities in Fayette County, and participants will gain first-hand experience through behind-the-scenes tours of various public and private facilities.

• July 18 - Get to Know You Reception (date tentative)
• August 14-15 - Orientation Retreat
• September 12 - Connecting with the Community
• September 26 - D&I Summit: A Celebration of Diversity
• October 10 - Economic Development
• November 14 - Health and Community Wellness
• January 9 - Education
• February 13 - Governance and Civil Discourse
• March 12 - Law Enforcement and Justice System
• April 9 - Project Presentations & Program Wrap-up
• April 30 - Graduation Dinner

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Leadership Fayette program. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program.

Participants are required to attend the mandatory orientation retreat and all monthly sessions in their entirety. Participants must also commit time necessary to work with classmates on class project.  While we understand that sometimes an absence is unavoidable, a participant may not miss more than one (1) class session and must complete additional enrichment activities to make up any missed time.

Leadership Fayette is built on strong fundamental leadership principles. The program commences in August with a mandatory two-day retreat that includes the evening of the first day.  Class members will participate in a number of team-building, leadership-style exploration exercises and networking activities designed to demonstrate the dynamics of effective leadership. Fundamental background information about the community as well as an overview of the class projects will also be discussed during the retreat.

The class project serves as a central component of the Leadership Fayette experience. The project provides participants with an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solving by working in teams to accomplish a larger mission. The project directly correlates with themes explored during class sessions and is a capstone to the Leadership Fayette class experience.  The project may involve exploration of the civic health of Fayette County including social connectedness, community involvement, political action and participation, and confidence in institutions.

Beyond the monthly class sessions, periodic optional opportunities will be provided for additional enrichment of leadership and community knowledge.   Examples include a day of optional tours of local industry and attendance at local government meetings.

The Leadership Fayette program is open to anyone who lives or works in Fayette County.  No more than two representatives from any one organization can be selected to participate in a class.

The application process is governed by a Leadership Fayette advisory committee.  A panel of the advisory committee reviews all applications received and determines finalist applicants to be invited to final interviews.  Leadership Fayette considers the following criteria during the process:

• Demonstrated capacity for leadership
• Community interest and involvement
• Desire to assume expanded leadership responsibility
• Willingness to give back to the community
• Class representation of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Commitment to program attendance

April 26 - June 9 - Application process open.  Application link available HERE starting April 26th.
June 9 - Application submission deadline  (5:00 p.m.)
June 5 - June 14 - Applicants contacted to schedule interviews
June 14-16 - Candidate interviews (interview times TBD)
June 19-20 - Candidate selection notification
July 21 - Tuition payment due
July 21 - Wait-list notification
July 18* - Class Introduction & Alumni Reception
August 14-15 - Mandatory orientation retreat

Tuition for Leadership Fayette is $895* and includes all expenses for the monthly sessions, orientation retreat, meals, limited transportation, and graduation dinner. Costs of any optional enrichment opportunities, if any, are not included. Tuition must be paid in full by July 28, 2023 and is non-refundable.

*Partial scholarships may be available to assist with tuition. If applicable, please email cereto@fayettechamber.org.

Completed applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:

• Email to Cereto@FayetteChamber.org, subject line: LF Application Submission
• Drop off or mail to: Fayette Chamber of Commerce, 600 W. Lanier Avenue, Suite 205, Fayetteville, GA  30214

Questions or requests for further information about Leadership Fayette should be directed to Cereto Bean via email: Cereto@FayetteChamber.org  or phone: 770-461-5946.