Inspiring Leaders Since 1981
Leadership McPherson has been a professional development program of the McPherson Chamber since 1981 and is actually one of the oldest leadership programs in the state of Kansas. The first class graduated in 1982 having completed “4 one-day seminars studying area history, local and state government, area organizations and leadership techniques.”
Fast forward to 2000. The Leadership McPherson Board of Trustees completed extensive training in Servant Leadership and 21st Century Leadership skills and then reorganized the Leadership McPherson Class curriculum. “The goal of the organization is to develop all people by igniting their passions and inspiring service.”
In a 10/13/2000 press release from Randy Watson, Leadership Trustee Chair, announcing that nominations are being accepted for the 2001 Leadership McPherson Class “Watson said this will be a special class. Not only will it be the first class of the new century,” he said. “It will also be the first to experience a new curriculum, the first to make a formal commitment to serve the community, and the first to do a project to improve the lives of children in our area.”
Today, the Leadership McPherson Class curriculum follows much of the competencies of the Kansas Leadership Center with an emphasis on the importance of future generations and how visionary leadership can make a difference in our community.
The McPherson Chamber continues to facilitate the Leadership McPherson Class and youth related initiatives. The incredible class projects have touched many lives and continue to serve the needs of our youth. Read more about the Leadership McPherson Class projects listed here. If anyone remembers the youth projects from 2001-2004, we would love to hear about them.
Just imagine the powerful ripple effect of the 470 inspired Leadership McPherson Alumni, doing great things and making a positive impact on the communities they now call home!