Leadership Cincinnati
Leadership Cincinnati is our region’s flagship immersive leadership development and civic engagement program for established leaders in c-suite or senior executive positions who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
What is Leadership Cincinnati?
Leadership Cincinnati is an immersive leadership development and civic engagement program for established leaders in c-suite or senior executive positions who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. Through an experience-based curriculum, participants gain access to influential community leaders and government officials and connections to their peers from the business, non-profit and government sectors. This unique experience provides first-hand knowledge of the complex issues affecting our region. The program aims to inspire and challenge leaders to work with and through others to create a thriving Cincinnati region where everyone belongs.
Program Objectives
Elevate personal leadership presence and influence within the region
Establish long-lasting relationships with peers from across a diverse set of the business, community, and government sectors
Expand understanding of issues that affect our region
Identify new ways to make purposeful impact in the region
Join other leaders and collaborate to cultivate a more prosperous and thriving community
Target Participants
Established Leaders in c-suite and senior executive positions
Curriculum
Leadership Cincinnati focuses on providing leadership training through collaborative, hands-on experiences, and engagement with thought leaders from the Cincinnati community. Each session is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of key issues that affect our region, how those issues intersect with one another, and ways they can make positive impacts on those issues.
A two-day camp retreat kicks off the class, allowing participants to come together and begin long-lasting relationships. The most valuable components of the program are often the connections formed during this time.
Possible topics include
Arts & Culture
Economic Development
Education
Health & Wellness
Human Services
Inclusion
Justice
Regionalism
Transportation
Housing
Class 50 Program Timeframe
August 2026 – May 2027
Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted below.
- August 26, 2026, LC 50 Kick-Off & Leadership Center Annual Celebration (3 – 9 p.m.)
- September 17 – 18, 2026 Opening Retreat (Overnight: 8:30 a.m. Thursday – 4 p.m. Friday)
- October 1, 2026 Class Session
- October 15, 2026 Class Session
- November 5, 2026 Class Session
- December 10, 2026 Class Session
- January 21, 2027 Class Session
- February 18, 2027 Class Session (8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
- March 18, 2027 Class Session
- April 15, 2027 Class Session
- May 6 – 7, 2027 Closing Retreat (Overnight: 9 a.m. Thursday – 2 p.m. Friday)
- May 20, 2027 Graduation (3 – 8 p.m.)
Applications
Applications for Class 50 will be available March 10, 2026. Classes will run September, 2026 – May, 2027.
Application Fee
$50 (non-refundable). Applicants will be asked to pay via credit card at the end of the online application process.
Questions? Contact Sean Comer at Scomer@cincinnatichamber.com
Pricing
$7,000 for Chamber Members
$8,000 for non Chamber Members
*Partial scholarships may be available for those with financial need, and can be requested within the application. Payment plan options are also available.
Presenting Investor
Excellence Investor
Media Partner
What past participants had to say...
As a graduate of WE Lead and Leadership Cincinnati, I’ve grown professionally and personally, learning from diverse, talented groups ready to lend support and perspective. These programs are so important now to elevate a new group of leaders that will propel our region forward.
Amy B. Spiller
As a participant in Leadership Cincinnati Class 43, we tackled the many facets that are necessary to enhance our leadership toolbox. Having active and formative discussions around topics such as regional competitiveness, implicit bias, and leaving a legacy with other leaders in our region is an experience unmatched in Greater Cincinnati.
John A. Moore
This is going to be the best connectivity you’re going to have with the city of Cincinnati – through all the people that are in this class. The connections that I’ve made, the now lifelong friends, have helped me not only in business but personally as well.
Steve Mullinger
This program helps everyone get out of their comfort zone. You gain a better lens – or actually multiple lenses – that you look at the community and future projects [through], so you have a better understanding [that] these things all impact one another.
Marcus Margerum
It’s so important to the city and to the Chamber because you have so many different people who are in leadership positions. When you pull those bright minds and different perspectives together, we can come together and solve some of our city’s problems in a whole new way.
Liz Keating
Discover the Right Leadership Center Program for You
The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber offers leadership development programs that are built to grow and strengthen the regional talent base by developing civic-minded leaders. If you’re an individual looking to apply or a talent leader interested in sending employees through our programs, let us help you find the programs best suited for your goals.