Leadership Denison
OVER 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE 1983-2024
Leadership Denison was founded in 1983 by Ronnie Cole and continues to enjoy a stellar reputation as a program of the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce. Since its beginning, Leadership Denison has graduated over 500 leaders for Denison and the Texoma Region.
LEARN leadership skills and vital information about the community that will connect you with the resources you need to succeed.
NETWORK with a community of contacts while developing life-long business and personal friends.
EXPERIENCE the community through the varied monthly programs.
OUR MISSION
The program is dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable and business organizations. Candidates develop friendships and become part of an ever-growing network of community leaders that can be life-changing. Leadership Denison graduates currently serve in numerous elected positions and serve on civic boards throughout the region.
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
The Benefits and VALUE
FOR PARTICIPANTS
Leadership Denison participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community while developing a valuable communications network among civic, business, and educational leaders. They develop the personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environments.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Denison and the Texoma area benefit from the development of a source of high-quality leaders with broadened perspectives prepared to address issues critical to Denison's future. The success of the program can be measured by the number of Leadership Denison graduates who currently serve the community in volunteer, elected, and appointed positions.
FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Denison benefit from the graduate's newfound knowledge of the city's inner workings and the development of the personal skills that increase their effectiveness in the professional environment.
The CURRICULUM
Retreat
Participants begin the program by attending a full-day retreat that familiarizes them with the program. They engage in team-building exercises, Strengths Assessments, and examine leadership styles.
Tourism/History
Participants learn about the history of Denison and how it became the great city it is today. They learn why our history is a huge asset to our community, what guides tourism to our area, and why it is important to our success.
Economic & Workforce Development
Denison Development Alliance leads this full-day " deep dive" into why Denison is a great place to do business. Workforce trends and issues facing businesses are discussed, along with tours of various facilities.
City/County/State Government
Leaders from our City, County, and State give you a first-hand look at how our government functions and how each organization works together to benefit the community. Hear from leaders and elected officials, sit at a Denison City Council meeting and possibly attend a Grayson County Commissioners Court.
Social Services
Participants learn about the various entities that serve our community's social needs and how these agencies are crucial to our success by visiting several non-profits.
Healthcare Services
Participants learn about healthcare industry issues and how Denison and the Texoma area are leaders in innovation and technology, leading the industry with the most up-to-date equipment and procedures.
Education
Visit Denison ISD and Grayson College and participate in discussions with education leaders about common issues and challenges facing their institutions. Learn about the ever-changing and advancing opportunities for our youth.
Project
On May 22nd, 2025, your class will join the City of Denison at "The Big Event." A community-wide day of service, the Big Event volunteers join forces to help residents and businesses with outdoor cleanup and projects. Learning the value of giving back is one of the key components of Leadership Denison.
OUR ADVISORS
JOHN AKERS, HISTORY AND TOURISM ADVISOR
DR. MOLLY HARRIS, EDUCATION ADVISOR
TIFFANY BARNEY, ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE ADVISOR
AMY LAY, CITY ADVISOR
JULIE LOLLAR, COUNTY ADVISOR
KATIE EUBANK, SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR
HOPE BAXTER, HEALTHCARE ADVISOR
RONNIE COLE, CLASS ADVISOR
DIANA THEALL, LEADERSHIP DENISON ADVISOR
Applicant REQUIREMENTS
When participants are selected, it is with an eye toward diversity to encourage collaboration of ideas and viewpoints. Leadership Denison is not a starting point, but rather a professional development opportunity for individuals who are both acknowledged and aspiring leaders. All candidates should demonstrate:
- A passion for the people and future of Denison and a personal commitment to help improve the quality of life in the Texoma Area.
- A demonstrated commitment to the community through past and current activities.
- A capacity for leadership within their own organizations through significant achievements.
- A willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program requirements, which requires the full support of their organization.
- A commitment to supporting the continuation of leadership in the Denison and Texoma area.
- A willingness to accept leadership roles within civic, charitable, and community organizations.
Selected candidates MUST commit to the following requirements:
- Mandatory attendance at the Meet & Greet, Full-day Retreat and Graduation.
- Attendance at ALL class days, with the allowance of one absence.
- FULL participation - breaks are provided to allow checking of email and messages.
- A commitment to be on time, respecting the time of other candidates and presenters.
HEADSHOT REQUIREMENTS
As a leader, professional headshots are a must! All applicants are required to submit a professional headshot. WE DO NOT ACCEPT SELFIES OR PICTURES WITH OTHER PEOPLE. These photos are used in our announcements and the graduation program. If you need assistance locating a photographer, please contact our office and we will give you a list of photographers that can assist.
The Cost
CHAMBER MEMBERS$ - 700.00
FUTURE MEMBERS - $950.00
Tuition can be financed by the individual, the employer, or a sponsoring organization (cost is subject to change). Payment is due in full before the first session unless other arrangements have been approved.
Completed application packets are due on or before June 30, 2024. The Class of 2025 will be announced in mid-July.
THE DENISON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERS ONE SCHOLARSHIP PER YEAR. APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE A FINANCIAL NEED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AND IF APPLICABLE, MUST HAVE EMPLOYER CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASS. MORE INFORMATION IS ON THE APPLICATION.
