Chandler Chamber Community Foundation
Leadership Institute
For over 41 years, the Leadership Institute has educated emerging leaders and individuals already serving in a leadership capacity about the city of Chandler and the broader East Valley community. Graduates join a network of more than 1,220 alumni who go on to serve on boards, run for office, and lead across the region.
Chandler’s Leaders Are Built Here.
Chandler is one of the fastest-growing and most economically dynamic cities in the nation. Keeping it that way requires a steady pipeline of informed, connected, and engaged civic leaders who understand how the city works from the inside out.
The Leadership Institute was built to produce exactly that. Over the course of a full year, participants gain access to the people, places, and conversations that shape Chandler’s future: from City Hall and the police department to the school district, the business community, and the State Capitol.
Graduates leave not just with knowledge, but with relationships. The Institute’s alumni network spans more than four decades and includes elected officials, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, and some of the most active civic volunteers in the East Valley.
Meet the Class of 2026
Twenty-five community and business leaders make up the 42nd class of the Chandler Chamber Leadership Institute. Listed alphabetically by last name.
Ariel AckermanAssistant Director of ProgramsAZCEND
Avery ArmstrongBattalion ChiefChandler Fire Department
Elicia BivinsCSB DirectorChandler School Boosters
Shawn CharlesOwnerOasis Senior Advisors
Ryan CodyDirector of Communications and Media ManagerChandler Police Department
Shaun CreightonDirector of Instructional TechnologyChandler Unified School District
Marie DavisChief Executive OfficerLiving and Balance Wellness Center
Anthony HillVice PresidentHayden and Hayden Agency, Inc.
Stephanie HowellDirector of Food and NutritionChandler Unified School District
Drew KernaghanManager, Facility PMOSalt River Project
Matthew LoveladyPrincipal Supply Chain AnalystSalt River Project
Riley McAuliffeAquatic SupervisorCity of Chandler
Amy McKinleyDean of StudentsChandler Unified School District
Lindsay MeyerClient Relationship ManagerConcord General Contracting
Jenny MillerProgram Support LiaisonChandler Gilbert Arc
Stephen PhairFinancial AdvisorEdward Jones
Jessica PophamDean of StudentsChandler Unified School District
Catherine RallsAssociate Director of OperationsCommit Agency
Samuli RauhalammiDual Enrollment Faculty CoordinatorChandler-Gilbert Community College
Hannah RegezDean of StudentsChandler Unified School District
Donna RenoPolice CommanderChandler Police Department
DeAnna SimpsonBranch ManagerFirst Credit Union
Jason StockerSupervisor, Customer ServiceSalt River Project
Kellie StrongAcademic Instructional SpecialistChandler Unified School District
Jennine ZumbuhlClinical Research Operations ManagerDignity Health, CommonSpirit
What to Know Before You Apply
Monthly full-day sessions throughout the year. Class size is intentionally kept small to ensure a high-quality, personal experience for every participant.
More Than 1,220 Alumni Strong
Graduates of the Leadership Institute go on to serve on city boards and commissions, run for elected office, lead nonprofits, and hold executive roles across the East Valley. Many of Chandler’s most prominent civic and business leaders are Leadership Institute alumni.
The program has been recognized for its impact on civic engagement and community development, and continues to attract professionals from across industries who are ready to deepen their roots in Chandler.
Download the 2027 ApplicationEverything You Need to Know
Common questions about eligibility, cost, schedule, and how to apply.
The program is open to current members of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Applicants must submit a completed application, a business card, a headshot, and answers to four essay questions. Three professional references are also required.
The Leadership Institute is a two-year commitment. In the first year, you actively participate in monthly Issue Days. In the second year, you join the Steering Committee and help plan and facilitate Issue Days for the incoming class.
Issue Days are held on the third Friday of each month from February through October, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. One month during the year includes two Issue Days.
Each Issue Day focuses on a different sector of the Chandler community, including Education, Government, Public Safety, Social Services, Infrastructure and Environment, Health, Life and Leisure, Media, and Business and Industry.
Tuition is $650, plus a $25 non-refundable application fee. Full payment is due by the first class meeting. Checks are payable to the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation. A portion of the program fee goes toward scholarships at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Participants earn participation points to graduate. No more than two absences are allowed during the first year. You need 210 points to complete year one and 300 total points to graduate at the end of year two.
Applications are distributed in late summer. The deadline for the 2027 class is Friday, November 6, 2026. The selection process takes place in late fall, with orientation beginning in February.
Download the application from this page, complete all sections including the four essay questions, and email your completed application along with a business card and headshot to info@chandlerchamber.com. All sections must be filled out entirely to be considered.
Once accepted, you will receive a welcome letter from the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation with details on orientation and the upcoming program year. Full tuition payment is due at or before the first class meeting.
Contact the Chandler Chamber at info@chandlerchamber.com or by phone at 480-963-4571.