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LEARN. SERVE. GROW.

Leadership NEJC is a premier regional leadership program offered by the Northeast Johnson County Chamber (NEJC). Leadership NEJC consists of 10 full-day sessions over five months. Sessions focus on developing core leadership competencies and related skills through instructional workshops, group conversations, and hands-on individual and team-building activities. Coursework is designed so that each session builds on the last and provides opportunities for a deeper understanding of skills applications. The curriculum is based on proven leadership theory and real-world experiences of professionals in business and nonprofit leadership positions. To date, we are proud to have graduated over 550 well-connected and engaged leaders who have gone on to serve their organizations, neighborhoods, and local governments.

Leadership NEJC is thrilled to announce 24 new members to The Class of 2024.

Liz Albers – Johnson County Community College
Bill Buser –  Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2
Caitlin Gard – City of Merriam
Cory Honas – City of Roeland Park Police Department
Caleb Hunt –  City of Merriam
Renee Jenkins – City of Merriam
Julie Karins – Johnson County Government
Aurora Kammerer – Spencer Fane
Claire Lammers – NEJC Chamber
Mason Lewis – Country Club Bank
Curtis Mansell – City of Westwood Police Department
Anthony Marshall – City of Roeland Park
Eric McCullough – City of Prairie Village Police Department
Melissa Mokry – WaterOne
Kenneth Rick Allen – City of Fairway
Forrest Saucier – Sole Proprietor
Deana Scott – City of Prairie Village
Bridget Shackelford – Advent Health
Elizabeth Shelley -Security Bank of Kansas City
Nick Voris – Evergy
James Waller – City of Merriam Police Department
John Wetta – INTRUST Bank
Jennifer Winfrey – City of Mission Hills
Evan Wright – Evergy

We are always looking for organizations in our community that can support our programs, such
as this one, to give our members and students the best experience possible. If you are
interested in Leadership NEJC Sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with

Rebecca.Galati@pictureitconsulting.com or call Rebecca at 913-244-2050.

Mission & Vision

Program FAQ

Sponsorship Opportunities

Graduation -- Coming Soon!

This program will open up possibilities that you didn't know existed.- Kate Buenger, Johnson County Park and Recreation District
Leadership Northeast has been on my ‘wish list’ for years, but nonprofit organizations don’t always have the resources to invest in things like professional development. The scholarship helped alleviate that financial obstacle, and gave me the opportunity to participate in this valuable program.- Megan Campbell, CAPA
If you are looking to be inspired...this is for you.- Chris Linnane, Linnane Consulting, LLC
The Leadership NEJC program enhances leadership skills, establishes valuable connections and increases knowledge of the community. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for personal and career growth and development.- Kayla Harrity, Johnson County Community College
This program not only opened my eyes to the strong community in Northeast Johnson County, but I experienced great personal growth. The leadership development classes were high quality.- Meredith Hauck, City of Merriam, KS
This program was a fantastic experience that really opened my eyes to the community I live in. It gave me connections to people who I never would have otherwise met.- Nikki Shippee, Capitol Federal Savings Bank
MISSION & VISION

The mission of Leadership NEJC is to engage members of our business and non-profit communities to create and sustain a culture of lifelong professional and personal development. The program supports these efforts by focusing curriculum on experiences that are linked to effective, ethical leadership outcomes. The three core elements of Leadership NEJC are:

  1. LEARN. The program’s educational initiatives focus on intentional skill development that equips participants with the tools to successfully manage themselves and lead others.
  2. SERVE. Participants are encouraged to positively impact their communities through volunteerism and other service opportunities.
  3. GROW. The program seeks to connect participants with business and community leaders in order to form strategic partnerships that support ongoing professional and personal leadership growth.

In 2019, The NEJC Chamber partnered with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) to offer the first-ever program certification for a Johnson County Chamber leadership program. Graduates of the program can now earn the NEJC Chamber Business Leadership Certificate as well as CEUs (continuing education units) from JCCC. In order to transcript earned units, participants are dual-enrolled in the Chamber’s leadership and the college.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the application deadline?

Application deadline is November 10th, 2023. The class of 2024 will be announced on or around December 1st 2024.

What leadership skills are covered?

The program explores six competency areas and related skills:

  • Fundamental Competencies – Interpersonal, Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Continual Learning, Public Service Motivation
  • Building Coalitions – Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating
  • Business Acumen – Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management
  • Leading Change – Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision
  • Leading People – Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
  • Results Driven Leadership- Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving

How is the program structured?

Leadership NEJC consists of 10 full-day sessions from January through May, plus one class community service project. Sessions focus on developing core leadership competencies and related skills through instructional workshops, group conversations, and hands-on individual and team-building activities. Coursework is designed so that each session builds on the last and provides opportunities for a deeper understanding of skills applications. Curriculum is based on proven leadership theory and real-world experiences of professionals in business and nonprofit leadership positions. Because of this, session presenters and topics are subject to change without notice.

What are the dates of each session?

The program sessions are generally held every other week, beginning in early- to mid-January and running through May. Due to the dynamic nature of the Leadership NEJC program, some sessions may occur outside of this schedule. Dates for the sessions are TBD.

Are all sessions mandatory?

Successful outcomes depend on your commitment to the program and fellow classmates. To be eligible for graduation, participants must complete at least 80% of total program hours (generally, 8 out of 10 sessions) and one class community service project. To earn the NEJC Chamber Leadership Certificate, participants must be eligible for graduation and have completed all seated hours of required JCCC coursework. Available continuing education units (CEUs) may be earned only for completed seat hours. There are no opportunities to make up missed sessions or workshops.

How much is tuition?

The tuition investment for Leadership NEJC is $1,100 for members and $1,400 for nonmembers. The investment covers all program materials, lunches, snacks, and any required group transportation. Individual transportation to and from sessions and workshops will not be reimbursed. Tuition is due at the time of acceptance and no later than 60 days prior to the first session date. Program tuition is for the application year, only. Tuition is not transferable but may be refundable upon written notice received up to 30 days prior to the first session date. The refund schedule is as follows:

  • 100% refund for written notice received up to 45 days prior to first session date.
  • 50% refund for written notice received between 45 and 30 days prior to first session date.
  • Tuition is non-refundable if written notice is received after 30 days prior to first session date

Am I a member of The NEJC Chamber?

If your employer is a member, then so are you. The Chamber is happy to help you determine your membership status. Please contact us, or search our online Member Directory to see if your employer is listed.

How do I become a Chamber member, and what is the cost?

Membership investments vary based on organization size and other factors. Please contact The Chamber at 913-262-2141 or check out our investment schedule.