Leadership Plano Celebrates 40 Years of Community Leadership Development at Anniversary Luncheon with Dr. Chris Howard as Keynote Speaker

PLANO, TX – February 21, 2024 – Leadership Plano, in collaboration with the Plano Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce that Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Arizona State University, will be the distinguished keynote speaker at its 40th Anniversary celebration. The event is scheduled for April 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Plano Event Center.

Dr. Howard, a proud alumnus of Plano Senior High School, Class of 1987, has a notable history of leadership that began in his youth, serving as Senior Class President, starting halfback for the Plano Wildcats, President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Battalion Commander of JROTC.

Dr. Chris Howard is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Arizona State University, where he plays a crucial role in coordinating initiatives that span the entire ASU Enterprise. A true testament to leadership, Dr. Howard is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy and was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he earned his doctorate in politics. He holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was also honored with the Alumni Achievement Award in 2018.

Dr. Howard’s dedication to service is evident from his time as a helicopter pilot and intelligence officer, leading to a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan. His academic leadership includes roles as president of Robert Morris University and Hampden-Sydney College, among other prestigious positions. Dr. Howard’s commitment to global security and talent cultivation has been showcased in his work with the Aspen Strategy Group and through his involvement in various leadership, strategic, and philanthropic organizations.

This milestone event commemorates four decades since the inception of Leadership Plano, initiated at a time when Plano’s population was around 88,000. Visionary leaders foresaw the city’s impending growth and established the program to nurture individuals equipped to address future challenges. Since then, Leadership Plano has proudly graduated over 1,200 individuals, many of whom have taken on pivotal community leadership roles. The program is committed to educating, developing, and empowering leaders to serve in civic, charitable, and business organizations.

Kelle Marsalis, President/CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, expressed pride in Leadership Plano’s enduring impact, stating, “Leadership Plano stands as the flagship leadership program for the Plano Chamber. It has significantly contributed to community engagement and leadership training for both established and emerging leaders in our companies.”

Leadership Plano alumni have notably served on the Plano City Council, including Mayor John Muns and City Manager Mark Israelson. The Plano ISD Board of Trustees also includes Leadership Plano alumni, such as Board President Nancy Humphrey and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Williams, who have applied their skills in various capacities, reinforcing the program’s foundational emphasis on volunteering and community service.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Theresa Williams shared, “Leadership Plano was a transformative journey that offered me invaluable insights and connections, enhancing my leadership skills and community involvement.”

Sam Johnson, Chair of the Leadership Plano Advisory Board, highlighted the program’s ongoing recruitment efforts aimed at fostering a diverse and dedicated pool of future leaders committed to serving Plano’s communities.

Leadership Plano’s curriculum includes eight full-day, monthly class sessions that introduce participants to key community and state leaders, aiming to inspire a commitment to servant leadership and community involvement. The program is currently welcoming applicants for Class 41. To apply for Class 41 visit our website at https://www.planochamber.org/programs/leadership-plano/.

The 40th anniversary celebration is open for registration on the Plano Chamber of Commerce website, with sponsorships and individual tickets available. This event not only marks a significant milestone for Leadership Plano but also celebrates its profound impact on the Plano community and beyond.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://members.planochamber.org/events/details/leadership-plano-40th-celebration-22811

###

About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 800 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.