Through community immersion and interactions with diverse leaders, Leadership Charleston is cultivating leaders and igniting the advancement of the Charleston metro. For 50 years, the Chamber has been offering an intensive and up-close look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our region. This year-long program engages our region's brightest leaders in uniquely crafted experiences that inform and engage participants so that they can have a meaningful impact on the future of our region.
Leadership Charleston is a year-long program that engages participants in experiences that help them become better community leaders.
APPLY NOW. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 16, 2023
Once your application fee is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the full application. If you do not receive the link within 48 hours, please contact Celeste O'Keefe at cokeefe@charlestonchamber.org.
We are excited to welcome the newest Leadership Charleston class, with over 70 business leaders! Upon graduating in August 2023, class participants will become Leadership Charleston Alumni a distinguished group of leaders that includes Chamber Board of Directors, elected officials and prominent local leaders.
Class of 2024 Program Information
Eligibility:
- Demonstrate leadership in your community.
- Be employed by a Chamber member company.
- Have an interest in furthering your knowledge about the Charleston Metro Area and community leadership.
- Commit to full participation in the Leadership Charleston program – the program requires a major time commitment.
- Attend a mandatory orientation session on September 7-8 at Wild Dunes Resort.
- Become active participants in advancing the community and making a positive contribution to the Charleston region post-graduation.
Application Process:
- There is a $45 fee to apply for Leadership Charleston. Once payment has been made, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the full application.
- A letter of endorsement must be received by June 16. This should be completed by your company Chief Executive or local area executive. This can be uploaded with your application or sent by email to tgordon@charlestonchamber.org with the subject line Leadership Charleston Letter of Endorsement.
- Upon acceptance, a headshot and profile information will be required.
- You will need to supply an email address that Leadership Charleston can use to communicate important program information throughout the class year. The class will also utilize social platforms for communication (Google forms, etc.).
APPLY NOW. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 16, 2023
Once your application fee is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the full application. If you do not receive the link within 48 hours, please contact Celeste O'Keefe at cokeefe@charlestonchamber.org.
Selection Process:
- A committee, comprised of Leadership Charleston Alumni, thoroughly evaluates all applications through a blind process without any knowledge of who the applicant is or where they are employed. Class members are selected based on their application responses, so please answer the questions as thoroughly and thoughtfully as possible.
- Timeline:
- Select 2024 class participants
- Notify all applicants of acceptance status no later than July 17
- Tuition payment required upon acceptance and before August 11
- Press Release announcement of class in August 2023
Program Sessions & Attendance:
Leadership Charleston begins with an orientation session on September 7-8 at Wild Dunes Resort and then meets one full day per month from September 2023 through July 2024. Each of these monthly program days is focused on a facet of the community (i.e. local government, military, philanthropy, economic development, etc.). August 2024 is a final wrap-up session and a graduation celebration. Attendance is mandatory for the orientation on September 7-8 (Thursday-Friday) at Wild Dunes Resort. After orientation, Leadership Charleston will meet for one all-day session per month from October through August. The monthly sessions are typically the third Thursday of each month. Only three absences for the one-day sessions will be allowed throughout the program. The schedule for each month’s session is below. Class members are also required to attend community meetings and a police ride-along on their own time outside of the monthly meetings.
- September 7-8, 2023 (Thursday-Friday)
- October 19, 2023 (Thursday)
- November 16, 2023 (Thursday)
- December 21, 2023 (Thursday)
- January 18, 2024 (Thursday)
- February TBD, 2024
- March 21, 2024 (Thursday)
- April 18, 2024 (Thursday)
- May 16, 2024 (Thursday)
- June 20, 2024 (Thursday)
- July 18, 2024 (Thursday)
- August TBD, 2024
Tuition:
Tuition for the Leadership Class of 2024 is $3,400 for participants employed by Chamber member firms. Upon acceptance to the class, tuition is due in full by August 11, 2023. Tuition fee payments are final and are not refundable once the applicant has accepted their spot in the class.
APPLY NOW. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 16, 2023
Once your application fee is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the full application. If you do not receive the link within 48 hours, please contact Celeste O'Keefe at cokeefe@charlestonchamber.org.
"Leadership Charleston allowed me the opportunity to learn about important industries and issues in the region, along with tools to be a more effective and mindful leader."
- Chelsea Ex-Lubeskie, Class of 2019
Thank You to our Class of 2024 Sponsors
Leadership Charleston Staff