Leadership Gwinnett

Leadership Gwinnett is the premier organization that educates, equips, and engages existing and emerging leaders through a diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences that lead Gwinnett to a better future. The highly esteemed program has served as the catalyst that exposes area leaders to the vibrant community of Gwinnett County since 1985. Participants will greatly understand civic and social issues, leverage their connections for Gwinnett’s greater good, increase their circle of influence, engage in community service opportunities and develop a deep connection to the community. Leadership Gwinnett produces a powerhouse of impactful community leaders and a thriving volunteer population that is more likely to serve on boards, volunteer, and give back to our community.

  1. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

       Tour multiple segments of the county and region while examining the history, current standing, and future possibilities
       Grow alongside a diverse class of up to 48 Gwinnett leaders
       Interact with leaders in all facets of Gwinnett
       Gain a deep understanding of the issues facing our community and ways in which you can make a difference
       Process what you’ve learned through hands-on activities
       Depart inspired and well-equipped to make an impact on your community through civic leadership
       Program day content includes infrastructure, education, government, health & human services, the justice system, regional relations, and building community leaders 

  2. HOW INDIVIDUALS BENEFIT

       Be immersed in Gwinnett’s operations to gain a broader and deeper perspective on the county and your role in the community.
       Build a lasting network of civic-minded local leaders from your classes and over 2,200 program graduates. These relationships grow and impact your professional and personal life.
       Discover issues you are passionate about and meet the community leaders who deal with those issues daily.

  3. HOW ORGANIZATIONS BENEFIT

       Participants meet fellow community leaders, establish connections, and expand their circle of influence that extends beyond their classmates as they complete the program and join the ranks of over 1,200 Leadership Gwinnett alumni.
       Your company leaders establish relationships that will provide new opportunities to serve the community and deal firsthand with vital local issues. The program provides participants with opportunities to deepen individual connections and build a strong foundation for a local network. Your company’s support of the program plays a critical role in developing community leadership.

  4. WHO SHOULD APPLY

    The Leadership Gwinnett program is designed for experienced leaders who want to significantly increase their impact on their organization and their community. This includes senior executives, presidents and vice presidents, executive directors, business owners, and high-level directors and managers, representing all industries and business types within our region.

     Ideal applicants will: 

       Have assumed leadership roles in the community
       Have a passion for making a difference 

  5. APPLICATION PROCESS

    Leadership Gwinnett is a lifetime affiliation consisting of over 1,200 alumni, who are active community leaders. Up to 48 classmates are selected annually and the selection embodies various sectors of Gwinnett: business, education, non-profit, and other representatives of diverse thought and life experiences.

       Nominations are accepted year-round. Self-nominations are welcome.
       Applications are accepted beginning in January and due in March.
       Applications will be sent to all nominees.

  6. PROGRAM DATES

    At the time of application, it’s important to commit 100% to these dates. If you know for sure you have travel or a major life event over one of the times, it’s better to apply another year. The times listed are core times, some days may vary slightly depending on location and activities. If selected for the class, there are attendance procedures that will allow for unplanned critical work assignments or family emergencies. Keep in mind there are homework assignments between the program days that include visiting off-site locations, reading assignments, and group activities.

    PROGRAM DATES

    New Class Orientation & Reception: August 6, 2024, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

    Fall Retreat: September 6-8, 2024, 7:30 a.m. Fri. – 12:00 p.m. Sun.

    Learning Days:
    • October 9, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • November 13, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • December 11, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • January 15, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • February 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • March 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • April 16, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. *includes mandatory reception.

    Spring Retreat: May 16-17, 2025, 7:30 a.m. Fri. – 12:00 p.m. Sat.

Leadership Gwinnett is the best of the best in leadership programs in America.

Michael Thurmond - CEO, Dekalb County

Leadership Gwinnett is one of the things that gave me confidence to run for public office. I felt educated and informed when I finished the program. It is most valuable even after you graduate since you continue to network with your classmates. We seem to have an immediate allegiance: you just belong.

Nancy Harris - Mayor of Duluth

Leadership Gwinnett provided an opportunity to learn directly from community leaders about the history as well as issues and challenges facing the county today. LG instilled an appreciation for the work being done while sparking a desire to become more engaged and perhaps one day serve in a greater capacity.

Michael Park - Principal Consultant, IBI Consulting

From the outside looking in, you want to be a part of Leadership Gwinnett…my personal story is that I worked for a private company and during my time in the program (Leadership Gwinnett) it encouraged me or pushed me to do something different and get more involved in my community. I decided to be a part of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. My family moved here in 1826, I am seventh generation in my family to live in Gwinnett.

Chuck Warbington - Gwinnett Village, CID

Participating in Leadership Gwinnett has been transformative in many aspects of my life. The leadership skills and principles studied in the program have flowed through to my work, my community involvement, and my personal relationships. I gained an entirely new network of friends, colleagues, and leaders in the community, and business connections that have opened many new doors for me. Learning more about Gwinnett, its strengths and weaknesses, and what it has to offer me, as well as, what it needs from me, has helped me find the activities and organizations that fuel my passions and give me a sense of personal fulfillment.

Marshall Barton - Compliance Officer, Merial Limited