Leadership Gilmer Program Overview

LEADERSHIP GILMER PROGRAM – Overview

The Leadership Gilmer program is dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community by preparing today’s leaders to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Through meaningful education and hands-on experiences, the program cultivates informed, engaged individuals who are ready to make a positive, lasting impact in Gilmer County.

Components of the program include:

Intro Reception: The Leadership Gilmer Program kicks off with an Intro Reception on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Chamber leadership, program facilitators, and Leadership Gilmer participants will have an opportunity to meet one another in a social environment. A meal will also be served at this event.

Sessions: Each session (held monthly) usually last a full day, scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of every month (unless there is a holiday or conflict; participants will be notified of any schedule changes in advance) from February through August, and a commencement ceremony is scheduled for September 16, 2026. For the March session, participants will visit the Georgia State Capitol.

Monthly sessions will include community-focused topics such as law enforcement, judicial services, EMA, EMS, healthcare, education, workforce, youth development, local government, utilities, tourism, agriculture, & natural resources. Other leadership enhancing activities, like personality testing, will be held during these sessions as well.

Leadership in Action & Graduation: Participants will finish the program with a capstone like project – presenting their solutions to key business and community leaders.  Participants will receive a certificate for completing the program, and a meal will be provided.

LEADERSHIP GILMER ALUMNI

Graduates of the program are invited to join Leadership Gilmer Alumni.   Alumni attend special events, provide leadership on committees and task forces, and help as team facilitators.

INVESTMENT

In addition to a truly valuable learning experience, our reduced tuition rate includes professional assessment tools and reports, professional headshot, class t-shirt, food and beverage (events and monthly sessions), materials, transportation for special off-site events, graduation dinner and awards ceremony, and other costs.

The tuition for this year: $500 for Chamber Members (paid by either employer or applicant)

For any questions regarding the Leadership Gilmer Program, please contact Chamber President & CEO, Kyle Ray (kyler@gilmerchamber.com)

Submit Your Application today!

Leadership Gilmer is an Initiative of Gilmer Chamber.