Class of 2027 Leadership Fayetteville Application
Leadership Fayetteville, facilitated by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, is a program designed to develop and engage community leaders. Participants will gain insights into local issues, connect with influential figures and enhance leadership skills to contribute effectively to the development and success of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Your employer must be a member of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber to participate. Check the Chamber's online directory if you are not certain.
BENEFITS OF LEADERSHIP FAYETTEVILLE
Leadership Fayetteville takes participants behind the scenes of our community with a deep dive into the issues, opportunities and assets that shape our region. Each session focuses on a key topic, offering firsthand insight from experts and changemakers.
In addition, you can expect to:
• Strengthen your personal leadership skills awareness and development
• Gain insider knowledge of local government, business and civic affairs
• Cultivate lifelong connections with a network of peers and leaders
• Discover meaningful ways to contribute to our community
• Position yourself for future leadership opportunities within the Chamber and the broader community
By the end of the program, participants are better prepared to make strategic decisions, champion community causes and lead with purpose.
2026-27 SESSION DATES
All sessions are on second Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated and include breakfast, snacks and lunches.
• Tuesday*, September 8, 2026 - Leadership Fayetteville Team Building Retreat
• October 14, 2026
• November 11, 2026
• December 9, 2026
• January 13, 2026
• February 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026
• April 14, 2025
• May 12, 2026
Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Leadership Fayetteville program. Participants are required to attend the mandatory retreat and all monthly sessions in their entirety. While we understand that sometimes an absence is unavoidable, a participant may not miss more than one (1) class session and must complete additional enrichment activities to make up any missed time. Two absences may result in not graduating from the program. Participants are advised to reserve any allowed absences for unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family/work emergencies.
Beyond the monthly class sessions, periodic optional opportunities will be provided for additional enrichment of leadership and community knowledge. Examples include a day of optional tours of local industry and attendance at local government meetings.
Participants must also commit time necessary to work with classmates on the class project. The class project provides participants with an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solving by working in teams to accomplish a larger mission. The project directly correlates with themes explored during class sessions and is a capstone to the Leadership Fayetteville class experience.
*Please note that this is the second Tuesday, not the second Wednesday like all other sessions, although it is mandatory like all other sessions..
APPLICATION PROCESS & ACCEPTANCE
The program strives to include various business and community leaders. The deadline to complete and return the application is May 30,2026. Tuition covers all program execution costs and is nonrefundable. If needed, partial tuition assistance may be available from the LF Class of 2025 Foundation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Being invited to participate in Leadership Fayetteville is an honor, and with numerous qualified candidates, the selection process is rigorous. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply multiple times before being selected. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply.
Leadership Fayetteville considers the following criteria during the process:
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership
• Community interest and involvement
• Desire to assume expanded leadership responsibility
• Willingness to give back to the community
• Class representation of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Commitment to program attendance
Selected participants will be notified of their acceptance no later than June 30, 2026. A completed packet ensures that each applicant understands and can comply with the application requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BENEFITS OF LEADERSHIP FAYETTEVILLE
Leadership Fayetteville takes participants behind the scenes of our community with a deep dive into the issues, opportunities and assets that shape our region. Each session focuses on a key topic, offering firsthand insight from experts and changemakers.
In addition, you can expect to:
• Strengthen your personal leadership skills awareness and development
• Gain insider knowledge of local government, business and civic affairs
• Cultivate lifelong connections with a network of peers and leaders
• Discover meaningful ways to contribute to our community
• Position yourself for future leadership opportunities within the Chamber and the broader community
By the end of the program, participants are better prepared to make strategic decisions, champion community causes and lead with purpose.
2026-27 SESSION DATES
All sessions are on second Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated and include breakfast, snacks and lunches.
• Tuesday*, September 8, 2026 - Leadership Fayetteville Team Building Retreat
• October 14, 2026
• November 11, 2026
• December 9, 2026
• January 13, 2026
• February 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026
• April 14, 2025
• May 12, 2026
Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Leadership Fayetteville program. Participants are required to attend the mandatory retreat and all monthly sessions in their entirety. While we understand that sometimes an absence is unavoidable, a participant may not miss more than one (1) class session and must complete additional enrichment activities to make up any missed time. Two absences may result in not graduating from the program. Participants are advised to reserve any allowed absences for unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family/work emergencies.
Beyond the monthly class sessions, periodic optional opportunities will be provided for additional enrichment of leadership and community knowledge. Examples include a day of optional tours of local industry and attendance at local government meetings.
Participants must also commit time necessary to work with classmates on the class project. The class project provides participants with an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solving by working in teams to accomplish a larger mission. The project directly correlates with themes explored during class sessions and is a capstone to the Leadership Fayetteville class experience.
*Please note that this is the second Tuesday, not the second Wednesday like all other sessions, although it is mandatory like all other sessions..
APPLICATION PROCESS & ACCEPTANCE
The program strives to include various business and community leaders. The deadline to complete and return the application is May 30,2026. Tuition covers all program execution costs and is nonrefundable. If needed, partial tuition assistance may be available from the LF Class of 2025 Foundation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Being invited to participate in Leadership Fayetteville is an honor, and with numerous qualified candidates, the selection process is rigorous. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply multiple times before being selected. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply.
Leadership Fayetteville considers the following criteria during the process:
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership
• Community interest and involvement
• Desire to assume expanded leadership responsibility
• Willingness to give back to the community
• Class representation of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Commitment to program attendance
Selected participants will be notified of their acceptance no later than June 30, 2026. A completed packet ensures that each applicant understands and can comply with the application requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
