leadership programs
We believe that everyone has something to contribute, and that everyone can be a leader. ACF is committed to elevating individuals who are acting to make a positive impact as engaged citizens and professionals. This includes existing and emerging leaders, adult and youth leaders.
Leaders who are members of the communities and issues they serve are the ones who have the experience, relationships, and knowledge essential for developing solutions with measurable and sustainable impacts. Importantly, these local leaders also have the ability to recognize and leverage assets within their communities.
Recognizing the value of local leaders in Athens County has shaped the approach of Athens County Foundation in recent years. We have intentionally invested in the people and organizations in the county, building up their leadership, investing in their initiatives, and building careful partnerships that are bolstered by their expertise. We have seen actors in the county collaborate on complex challenges and make meaningful and swift progress.
Leadership Athens County
One way we elevate leaders in Athens County is through programming specifically designed to build strong community leaders through our Leadership Athens County programs: Leadership Athens County – Flagship and Leadership Athens County – Youth.
Leadership Athens County (LAC) is a place-based and asset-focused leadership program, aimed at developing a corps of informed citizens to provide dynamic community leadership. LAC brings together emerging leaders to inform, connect, and inspire community-minded individuals to engage in service. LAC also helps participants develop and understand their own leadership styles.
History
The idea for a community leadership program came from former Athens County Foundation Executive Director Susan Urano, local business leader Jack Bortle, and former Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Simon in the fall of 2005. Together, they gathered a diverse group of prominent community leaders to form an advisory committee which included Gary North, President, The Athens Foundation; Jack Bortle, Chair, Athens County Port Authority; Claire Ping, Founder of the Athens Foundation and Community Scope; Carol Kuhre, past director of Rural Action and Athens Foundation board member; and Mike Brooks, CEO of Rocky Boots.
Having set the goals and directions for the program, a Planning Committee came together to put the program into action. Tanya Conrath was hired in the Spring of 2006 as Director and shortly thereafter the first class was selected. In the fall of 2007, Mark Weinberg, Director of Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, saw an opportunity for collaboration with Leadership Athens County.
Now in our 18th year, with more than 300 graduates, Leadership Athens County continues to grow and evolve. For example, we launched Leadership Athens County - Youth in 2023.
Leadership
mission | We build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities.
vision | Everyone in Athens County is engaged and working together to ensure a healthy, inclusive, thriving community for all.