50 years of Leadership Dallas: LD ‘was a masterclass on the history of the city’

By Amber Dyer, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience.

As a newcomer to Dallas, Amber Scanlan, Senior Vice President and Director of Client & Community Relations at PNC Bank, found everything about DFW unfamiliar—until LD helped bridge the gaps.

“[The program] was essentially a masterclass on the history of the city,” said Scanlan.

When PNC Bank expanded to North Texas, Scanlan and her family moved with them. Among those who welcomed them, several encouraged Scanlan to apply to LD.

“When several amazing people all tell you the same thing, I knew enough to take the advice!” she said.

Prior to LD, Scanlan relocated twice with her husband and sons for career advancement opportunities with PNC. Each move meant starting over in a new city, which made it difficult to build connections and make a lasting impact as a leader.

“LD changed this for me,” said Scanlan, member of the LD Class of 2019. “Through LD, I learned so much and connected so quickly, I felt my speed to market, if you will, in being able to contribute and help create an impact on the city happened quickly. LD truly made Dallas home for me.”

LD not only helped Scanlan establish connections quickly, but it also changed her perspective on leadership.

“The change for me was an understanding of the numerous areas throughout the city where leadership is both critical and present,” she said. “My understanding grew from leadership of companies and industry to tiny details of geography, history, culture, context, subjects, past-present-future, and so much more.”

For Scanlan, the impact of LD cannot be limited to a single experience.

“It’s the amalgamation of experiences of being able to continue to work with my LD classmates whose own leadership spans the depth and breadth of companies and industries across the region.”

Leveraging the regional insights she gained through LD, Scanlan enhanced her professional expertise and forged key partnerships for PNC, strengthening the company’s brand presence.

“It’s important we fulfill our role as a good corporate leader, so the more we know the more we can engage,” she said. “If PNC’s clients, employees, and community are successful, we will be successful.”

Recognizing the invaluable experience she gained, Scanlan expressed her gratitude to those that encouraged her to apply to LD when she first moved to Dallas.

“Many people cared enough about me to ensure I pursued LD, and it was a game changer. I see it as my responsibility to reciprocate to others. It’s good for them, but also great for all of us and our city!”