Leadership Thomas

Mission

“Identify, develop and educate a diverse and inclusive group of leaders to ensure economic success for the Thomasville-Thomas County community.”


Who We Are

Leadership Thomas (LT) is a program of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. LT cultivates a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community. With the support of LT graduates and the business community, LT has conducted leadership programs since 1981.

Benefits

Participants will:

  • Interact with leaders from the various sectors of our community (business, government, non-profit)
  • Learn from “unlike” minded people to build strong professional relationships
  • Develop an awareness and participate in discussions of the challenges and opportunities in the community by examining major relevant business, government and social issues
  • Enhance understanding of your personal leadership style to grow into higher-level roles, both in the work place and in the community
  • Deepen your company’s profile with community, business and government leaders through visibility and commitment to community success
  • Learn how you can make a difference in the Thomasville-Thomas County area

Curriculum

The program begins with orientation in June, followed by a weekend retreat in August, continues with 9 monthly sessions—Sept. through May—and closing graduation in June. The sessions present activities and hands-on experiences related to leadership topics i.e.: economic development, government, the arts, healthcare, human services, justice, law enforcement and the environment.

Requirements

Attendance at the opening retreat and closing graduation is mandatory. Participants must attend monthly daylong sessions, attend one: school board meeting, city council or county commission meeting, and participate in a class project.

Selection Criteria

Leadership Thomas seeks those candidates who:

  • Demonstrate leadership attributes through career achievement or participation in community activities
  • Represent a cross-section from businesses, government and non-profit organizations
  • Reside and/or work in Thomasville-Thomas County
  • Identify and analyze challenges considering various perspectives, then provide solutions
  • Share personal/professional resources/expertise
  • Value continuous learning and personal and professional development

Program Commitment

  • Have full support from their sponsoring organization/business
  • Give the time necessary to complete the program
  • Maintain a personal commitment to Thomasville-Thomas County and to Leadership Thomas after graduation

TIMELINE

Online Applications Open | March 27th, Due May 26th
Acceptance Notification by Email | June 9th
Commitment Due | June 23rd

Meet and Greet & Tuition Due | July 27, 2023
Opening Retreat | August 17- August 19, 2023***
Graduation |June 13, 2024***

SESSION DATES (MUST ATTEND 7 OUT OF 9)
SESSIONS ARE FULL DAY COMMITMENTS
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Tuesday, November 9, 2023
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024

*** indicates mandatory session

Tuition – Scholarships – Payment Plans

  • Tuition for Leadership Thomas is $1,500 for Members and $2,000 for Non-members. Check or credit card accepted. Tuition payment plans are available.
  • Partial scholarships are offered based on need. Requests are submitted with the LT Class application.

Andrea Collins

Andrea Collins

Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce
229-226-9600

Kolbey Bracewell

Kolbey Bracewell

Membership & Programs Director
229-226-9600