Applications are now open for Leadership Plano’s Class 41
CONTACT: Carole Greisdorf
Phone: 972-424-7547
Email: leadershipplano@planochamber.org
Plano, TX – March 5, 2024 – Forty years ago, when Plano’s population was approximately 88,000, visionary leaders in Plano read the tea leaves and recognized that dynamic growth was coming. They determined that to prepare for this growth, they needed to recruit and train men and women with diverse perspectives who were prepared to address issues critical to Plano’s future.
Leadership Plano grew from that vision. Over the years, more than 1,200 individuals have graduated from the program, with many taking on significant community leadership roles. Leadership Plano is dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community, motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations, according to its mission statement.
Kelle Marsalis, President/CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, says, “Leadership Plano is the flagship leadership program for the Plano Chamber. Our business investors value the leadership training and community engagement it provides to established and up-and-coming leaders within their companies. The Plano Chamber is proud of the immense impact Leadership Plano has had on Plano and our greater region for more than 40 years.”
Leadership Plano graduates serve on the Plano City Council, including Mayor John Muns and City Manager Mark Israelson. Of the seven Plano ISD Board of Trustees, four are alumni of Leadership Plano, including Board President Nancy Humphrey and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Williams. Leadership Plano alumni also serve as executive directors and board members of many local nonprofit organizations, putting the skills they learned into action. Volunteering and community service are foundational elements of Leadership Plano.
Dr. Theresa Williams, Plano Superintendent of Schools, said, “Leadership Plano was a transformative experience for me, even after it pivoted to virtual in my last few months due to the pandemic. I gained essential leadership insights, an expanded network, and community knowledge, which have been invaluable in my leadership journey from Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent. Now, I am thrilled to give back to the community as a Leadership Plano alum and board member.”
Sam Johnson, Chair of the Leadership Plano Advisory Board, said, “Recruitment for the program is a year-round activity. We seek individuals who are committed to Plano’s service and business communities and who want to learn more about Plano. We aim for a diverse pool of applicants who are willing and able to dedicate the time and effort required to gain the skills necessary to become future leaders.”
Through eight full-day, monthly class sessions, Leadership Plano introduces class members to the community and its leaders, including city and school district officials, business executives, leaders of healthcare and public safety institutions, and regional and state leaders. The final session, entitled “Servant Leadership,” introduces dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Plano, helping class members discover their passion and encouraging them to apply for board or volunteer service.
For further information or to apply, please visit https://www.planochamber.org/programs/leadership-plano/ or email Carole Greisdorf, program director, at leadershipplano@planochamber.org or call the Chamber at 972-424-7547.
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About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 1,200 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and awarded 2018 Chamber of the Year, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.
