
Leaders Wanted
YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
Next cohort begins November 2025
The Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound is an opportunity for current and emerging leaders to engage with the business community and elected officials while developing leadership skills, linking with a mentor, and interacting with exemplary leaders.
The program explores leadership development, assesses leadership strengths and weaknesses, provides opportunities to learn from local leaders who contribute to the vitality of our community, and offers visits to local organizations at the heart of our regional business community.
Why your employees need leadership training?
Managers who are trained to become effective leaders can increase the overall productivity of your workforce. Good leaders can better provide instruction to staff, assess problems, provide creative solutions and manage challenges.
Why is investing in leadership important?
Valuable outcomes such as increasing revenue, changing culture, or leading transformation start with leaders who have the skills to take the right actions. Companies that invest in their leaders can expect to become more competitive, better able to attract and retain talent, and more likely to have long-term success.
Don’t Just Take Our Word
The Leadership Institute was a great experience. The people that I met are local, and I still run into many of them on a regular basis around the community. I also got to learn various aspects about local business, transportation, and government directly from those involved in it. It was fun, and I learned a lot and would recommend it to anyone who is involved in their community and/or business and wants to grow and learn.
Garrett Haynes
Owner
Alpine Ridge Insurance Agency
(Class of 2016)
The Leadership Institute provided me with the opportunity to define my leadership style. This was a tremendous building block in my life, knowing that others viewed me as a leader, when I didn't feel that at all. Since my graduation, I have been the President of our Kiwanis Club in Auburn twice.
Tawnya McLavey
Manager of International Visitiors Program
Green River College
(Class of 2014)
The Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for existing and future leaders to focus on learning and improving key skills. Quality leadership doesn't just happen; it's a learned skill that takes commitment and dedication to learn over time.
Terry Davies
Senior Director of External/Government Affairs
Comcast
(Class of 2008)
Program
Highlights
& Benefits
Learn leadership skills and build your personalized leader development plan.
Engage in assessments to learn your strengths and opportunities for growth.
Connect with a designated mentor who is an alumnus of the program or a member of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Meet exemplary leaders who impact our business community.
Interact with other current and emerging leaders
Increase your knowledge of the region, leaders and decision-making processes.
Access a network of program alumni to guide individual, business and community problem-solving.
Visit organizations that add to the vitality of our region.
Craft your personal Call to Action for engaging as a leader in our community.
Business Sponsorship Opportunities
To further discuss sponsorship opportunities, email accounts@auburnareawa.org.
-
Helps fund scholarship opportunities, student curriculum materials, and class projects.
Sponsorship includes:
Company logo on all marketing materials
Speaking opportunity at one of the sessions and graduation
Logo on student graduation gift and certificate
Logo on social media cover photos
-
Helps fund session transportation, lunch, and student materials.
Sponsorship includes:
Company logo on all session print and digital marketing
Speaking opportunity at one of the sessions or graduation luncheon
Social media recognition and advertisement
-
Helps fund the Leadership Session and scholarships.
Sponsorship includes:
Company logo on Leadership Institute webpage
Speaking opportunity at one of the class sessions and graduation
Company advertisement presented with reading materials to the class
-
Funds one session lunch provided to the class.
Sponsorship includes:
Company logo on Leadership Institute webpage
Luncheon sponsored by signage
Speaking opportunity at one of the class sessions
Congratulations to the
CLASS of 2025!
Drew Conley | City of Auburn
Michele Cox | Mental Health Housing Foundation
Jody Davison | City of Auburn
Danielle Flores | GRC Foundation
Leah Hatcher | Café Pacific Catering
Yvonne Huang | Green River College
Dana Neuts | Covington Chamber of Commerce
Jay Rawson | Green River College
Karissa Thompson | Red Canoe Credit Union
Rodney Vieira | Emerald Aire
CLICK HERE to follow the Leadership Institute on Facebook and CLICK HERE to follow our LinkedIn page.
For more information, contact accounts@auburnareawa.org