Leadership NEJC
LEARN. SERVE. GROW.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP NEJC
Sponsoring Organization
| Christine Korth | City of Mission, KS |
| Ciera White | City of Merriam |
| Cole Carmack | City of Mission Hills |
| Connor Basnight | Project Rise |
| Corey Herron | Merriam Police Dept |
| Courtney Bayles | AdventHealth Shawnee Mission |
| Edgar Cervantes | Capital Federal |
| Hannah Haefele | Security Bank of Kansas City |
| Jacob Laha | DLR Group |
| Jeff Hrabe | Legacy Financial Strategies, LLC |
| Jenna Dickman | City of Mission, KS |
| Jillian Miller | Mainstreet Credit Union |
| Jim Sellers | Prairie Village City Council |
| Joe Kmetz | GBA |
Sponsoring Organization
| Josh Theiss | Johnson County Sheriff’s Office |
| Kat Hellige | CAPACares |
| Kris-Ann Carduff | Kansas Gas |
| Kristine Mendez | Growing Futures Early Education Center, Inc. |
| Lacey Fisher | Johnson County Park and Recreation District |
| Lisa Naughton | City of Merriam |
| Mandi Bayless | Fairway Police Department |
| Marcus Burke | City of Westwood |
| Meagan Borth | City of Merriam |
| Nathan Brungardt | City of Roeland Park |
| Rebecca Turner | Johnson County Sheriff’s Office |
| Shane Schulze | Consolidated Fire District #2 |
| Steph Neu | Johnson County Community College |
| Taylor Shaffer | Mission Parks and Rec |
Whether you live, work, play or just want to increase your organizational reach in northeast Johnson County, this professional development program is for you. Held annually for ten sessions between January and May, Leadership NEJC 2026 celebrates 36 years of developing nearly 600 influential, dedicated, and prominent leaders in our community.
In 2019, the NEJC Chamber established a partnership with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) to certify the Leadership NEJC program. Graduates of the 10-session program earn the NEJC Chamber Business Leadership Certification through a dual enrollment with JCCC.
Applications for 2026 are closed. Registration for Leadership NEJC 2027 opens in July 2026.
Sponsor opportunities get the name of your business in front of the LNE community.
LEADERSHIP NEJC VISION & MISSION
Leadership NEJC Vision: Engage our business and non-profit members to create and sustain a culture of lifelong professional and personal development.
Leadership NEJC Mission: Deliver an annual program curriculum to link networking and experiences to effective and ethical leadership outcomes.
Three core elements of Leadership NEJC:
- Learn. Educational initiatives provide intentional skill development and tools for self-management and leadership of others.
- Serve. Organized community involvement projects positively impact the NEJC Chamber communities and beyond.
- Grow. Networking with business and community leaders builds relationships and strategic partnerships for ongoing professional and personal growth.
LEADERSHIP NEJC TUITION & BENEFITS
Leadership NEJC 2026 is competitively priced at $1,500 for ten sessions designed to foster crucial skills through workshops, firsthand experiences, community involvement and interaction with key community leaders. Discounts and scholarships are available for NEJC Chamber members and program sponsors.
| NEJC MEMBERS | NON-MEMBERS |
| $1,200 | $1,500 |
Leadership NEJC 2026 tuition covers all program costs including:
- Leadership Certification from Johnson County Community College
- StrengthsFinder assessment and book
- Professional headshot
- Session meals, refreshments and transportation as applicable
- Lifelong connections for personal and professional growth
"Leadership NEJC 2025 has been a wonderful experience, I didn’t realize how much I needed. Taking a few days each month to connect with the NEJC community has been refreshing, enlightening, and genuinely fun!"
“The NEJC Leadership program was an incredible experience. It gave me the chance to build meaningful relationships, learn from inspiring community leaders, and better understand how I can contribute to the growth of our region. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to lead with purpose and make a real impact.”
“Leadership NEJC has been a transformative experience, it has helped me build strong connections with local leaders and gain a deeper understanding of their work and its impact on our community. From public safety and education to advocacy, I’ve learned how these efforts shape the well-being and success of Johnson County.”
“When I started this journey, I was nervous, and maybe a bit more shy. Now I have gained a new family of leaders, mentors, community members and professionals. I think the program was awesome, we learned about so many factions of local and regional government and fostered relationships that will last a lifetime. I look forward to seeing future classes enjoy this as much as I did.“
“The Leadership Northeast Johnson County program has been awesome! I’ve truly enjoyed the connections I’ve made with fellow classmates and learning more about the community where I live, work, and play. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of who and what it takes to build a thriving region of committed professionals working together to leave the places and spaces they support better than they found them.”
“Having done numerous leadership trainings over my career, I was expecting more of the same. I couldn’t have been more wrong, Leadership NEJC is an amazing opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It helped me understand what true leadership is and how it comes out differently in all of us. I would recommend it to anyone!”
Leadership NEJC Sponsorship Opportunities
Your organization can be a driving force for professional development of leaders and emerging leaders in Northeast Johnson County. Sponsorship opportunities are available at varying investment levels.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available!
For more information, or to reserve your opportunity today, please call Deb Settle at 913-262-2141.
Your brand. Their milestone. One powerful partnership.
- Maximize Brand Visibility:
Logo on all materials: email, website, social media, slides, and coursework
On-site promo display (3×5 poster) at all sessions
2 weeks of banner ads in Focus NEJC News! ($200 value) - Engage and Influence:
Speak at one Leadership NEJC 2026 session (60-90 minutes)
2 lunch-only networking attendees at each NEJC-facilitated session
Logo featured in all program-related social media posts - Invest in Your Team:
50% tuition discount for two program attendees ($1,500 value)
1 sponsored table at the Graduation Celebration ($300 value)
Shape the story. Champion the graduates. Lead with purpose.
- Host & Highlight Your Business:
Host a Leadership NEJC session with lunch at your location
On-site promotional display (three 8×11) at your hosted session - Expand Your Brand Reach:
Logo on all marketing: email, website, social media, slides, and coursework
Logo featured in all program-related social media posts - Speak & Connect:
Presentation opportunity at your hosted session (60-90 minutes)
1 lunch-only networking attendee at each NEJC-facilitated session - Invest in Your Team:
50% tuition discount for one attendee ($750 value)
1 sponsored table at the Graduation Celebration ($300 value)
Celebrate leadership. Elevate your brand. Be part of the finale!
- Showcase Your Brand at the Capstone Event:
Logo on all Graduation materials: email, website, social media, slides
On-site promo display at the Graduation Celebration (3×5 poster) - Celebrate & Engage:
Speak at the Graduation Event (10 minute address)
Logo featured in all social posts related to the Graduation - Support Your Team:
50% tuition discount for one attendee ($750 value)
Reserved table for your team at Graduation Celebration ($300 value)
Connect with future leaders. Promote your brand. Share your message.
- Align Your Brand with a Leadership Session:
Logo featured on email, website, social media, slides, and coursework for your sponsored session
On-site promotional display at your session (three 8×11 signs) - Engage the Class & Community:
Speak at your sponsored session (45 minutes)
Logo included in social posts promoting and recapping your session - Support Your Team’s Growth:
25% tuition discount for one attendee ($375 value)
2 additional lunch attendees for networking at your session
50% off one table at the Graduation Celebration ($150 value)
High visibility. Direct engagement. Targeted impact.
- Boost Your Brand During Lunch:
Logo featured during lunch at your sponsored session (8×11 sign)
On-site promo display at your session (sponsor provided) - Share Your Message:
Speak at your sponsored session (15 minutes)
Logo included in social posts promoting and recapping your session - Engage & Support Emerging Leaders:
25% tuition discount for one attendee ($375 value)
1 additional lunch attendee for networking at your session
25% off a table at the Graduation Celebration ($75 value)
Low-cost. High-impact. Community-focused.
- Showcase Your Business Through In-Kind Support:
Logo recognition as a Promotional Sponsor in all Leadership NEJC 2026 materials
Visibility at sessions where your items are featured (gift cards, food, door prizes) - Drive Engagement & Goodwill:
Increase traffic to your business through gift card or product donations
Great opportunity to highlight local support for leadership development - Celebrate with the Community:
Receive $5 off tickets to the Graduation Celebration
Frequently Asked Questions
Leadership is a trait, not a title and leaders exist at all levels and walks of life. Emerging leaders will build new skills and experienced leaders will benefit from refreshers or new and emerging concepts.
Whether you live, work, play or just want to increase your organizational reach in NEJC, this professional development program is for you.