About Leadership Dallas

Leadership Dallas is the region’s premier leadership program designed to help executives understand how to use their expertise to address challenges and opportunities facing the Dallas Region through hands-on curriculum.

DRC PROGRAM CONTACT

Olympia Newman
Managing Director, Leadership Programs
214.746.6753
Contact Olympia

  • The Program

    Leadership Dallas (LD), established in 1975 by the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), is the region’s premier leadership development program. Each year, 55 individuals are selected through a competitive process based on proven leadership potential within their organization and in the community.

    LD improves the quality of life in our region by:

        • Educating participants on critical regional issues.
        • Fostering connections among motivated peers.
        • Inspiring positive change through applied learning.

    THE BENEFITS

    The LD program unlocks leadership potential and inspires class members to elevate engagement within their organizations and communities. Employers witness a heightened commitment, while the community enjoys immediate benefits from active participant involvement and future benefits from the collective dedication to community leadership by LD graduates.

    THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

    Participants are thoughtfully selected to embrace diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, industry, socio-economic status, age, political beliefs, and perspectives, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas.  All participants should demonstrate:

        • Passion for the region and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all people.
        • Dedication to community involvement through past and current initiatives.
        • Leadership potential and significant achievements within their organizations.
        • Desire to strengthen leadership skills to align with regional needs.
        • Commitment to invest the essential time and effort required for program fulfillment, backed by complete organizational support.
  • THE CURRICULUM

    Leadership Dallas class members may be absent for a maximum of 16 hours and still qualify for graduation. Classes are held monthly from 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

    2024-2025 Class Dates:

        • Past, Present, Future | Friday, Oct. 11, 2024
        • Health Care| Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
        • Public Policy| Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
        • Economic Development | Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
        • Education | Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
        • Workforce | Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
        • Criminal Justice| Friday, Mar. 28, 2025
        • Innovation | Friday, Apr. 18, 2025
        • Arts & Culture | Friday, May 2, 2025
        • Launch Day | Friday, May 16, 2025

    Mandatory Sessions:

        • Welcome Reception |Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024
        • Retreat |Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 – Friday, Sept. 20, 2024
  • THE APPLICATION PROCESS

    APPLICATION FEE

    A $100 application fee is required for all applicants.  The online application is deemed complete only upon the submission of the required fee. Once the application is submitted, applicants will receive a link to process the payment.

    SELECTION

    The Leadership Dallas Selection Committee meticulously reviews every completed application packet to identify candidates poised to leverage their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of our region.

    Being invited to participate in Leadership Dallas is an honor, and with numerous qualified candidates, the selection process is rigorous. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply multiple times before being selected. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply.

    TUITION

    The tuition fee for Leadership Dallas is $9,000. DRC members receive a discounted tuition rate of $7,500. Companies not currently DRC members but interested in joining can contact memberinfo@dallaschamber.org.

    Tuition covers all program execution costs and is nonrefundable.

    SCHOLARSHIPS

    Partial scholarships are provided to select candidates in need of financial assistance. The scholarship funds are named after treasured alumni and are open to all candidates. Special consideration is given to candidates in the following categories: small businesses, minority-owned/led businesses, nonprofits, and government employees. Learn more about each scholarship here.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find the application?
    Leadership Dallas Class of 2025 applications will open on our website Monday, March 4, 2024 through Monday, May 6, 2024.

    Do I have to attend an information session to apply?
    While not mandatory, attendance is highly recommended. These sessions provide the unique opportunity to speak with alumni about their experiences and ask questions about submitting a standout application.

    Can I view the application before completing it online?
    The option to preview the application is not currently available. However, you will be able to return to your account throughout the process before submitting the final application.

    What is required for a complete application to be considered?
    The application packet is made up of six components: application, resume (PDF only), professional headshot (jpeg, minimum 1 MB), three completed references, employer participation agreement, and the application fee. You will be asked to upload your documents during the online application process. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to pay the application fee. All components must be received by the stated deadline for your application to be considered by the selection committee.

    Can multiple people from my organization apply to participate?
    While multiple people from your organization can apply, we typically only accept one applicant per company into the class. We recommend that only one representative applies per year.

    Do I have to be a City of Dallas resident or employed by a company in Dallas city limits to apply?
    No, it is not a requirement to live or work within Dallas city limits to apply.

    Do I have to demonstrate financial need to receive a scholarship?
    Applicants requesting a partial scholarship are required to provide a brief explanation of their circumstances as part of the application process.

    Does my employer have to complete the Employer Participation Agreement by the application deadline?
    Yes. Your application packet will be considered incomplete and unreviewed until all components are received.

    How and when will my employer be contacted?
    Your employer will be contacted via email once you enter their email address into your application. The request, sent from “Leadership Dallas” at noreply@mail.smapply.net, will include a link to the employer participation form.

    What will my employer be asked to do and how long will it take?
    Your employer will be asked to fill out a form and sign a statement indicating their support. This should take approximately five minutes or less.

    Will I be notified when my employer completes the agreement?
    No, but you can check your account to see if the agreement is pending. If it is still pending, you can send a reminder email directly from your online account.

    My employer states that they did not receive an email request. What should I do?
    After submitting your application, an email is sent to the address you provided. Ask your employer to check junk or spam folders, as some servers may filter the email.

    If I am self-employed or the top executive in my company how should the Employer Participation Agreement be completed?
    Complete the form with your contact details and fill out the agreement. This ensures your application is considered complete and will be reviewed by the selection committee.

    Can my employer also serve as a reference?
    Yes, but you must list them in the reference section for additional feedback beyond supporting your application.

    How and when will my references be contacted?
    Your references will be emailed once you enter their addresses into the application as a reference. The request will come from “Leadership Dallas” at noreply@mail.smapply.net.

    What will my references be asked to do and how long will it take?
    References will be asked to answer a short questionnaire about your leadership capabilities. This should take approximately 30 minutes after they create an account. More detailed information and specific examples make for a stronger reference.

    Do my references have to be completed by the application deadline?
    Yes. Your application packet will be considered incomplete and unreviewed until all components are received.

    Will I be notified when my reference(s) complete his/her response(s)?
    Yes. You will receive a system-generated notification for each completed reference.

    What if I can’t attend the retreat?
    If selected for the program, attendance at the retreat is mandatory. Missing the retreat may impact your ability to participate in the program. We recommend applying in a year when you can attend.

    When will I be notified of the decision regarding my application?
    Applicants will be notified in late July or early August.

    When will the class officially be announced?
    The class will be officially announced via a DRC press release in late July or early August.

  • View the 2024 LD Class

    Congratulations to the members of the 49th class of Leadership Dallas, the premier leadership development program in the Dallas Region. Learn about this ambitious group of professionals.

    Click to enlarge.

     

    First Name Last Name Company/Organization:
    Ambika Cheruvu GS Dallas LP
    Ashley McConkey Texas Instruments
    Brett Jackson Comerica Bank
    Brian Kenjarski, MD Methodist Health System
    Chase Proctor Haynes and Boone, LLP
    Christie Newkirk Carrington Coleman
    Christina Goodman Baylor Scott & White Health
    Christopher P. Bacala Bare Roots Landscape Solutions
    Claudia B. Coleman Thomson Reuters
    Crystal Cantu Lerman The Beck Group
    Dallas Stark American Airlines Center
    DeVon Lang Truist
    Emily Redfield BCG
    Herschel Acosta Jacobs
    Hiral Shah Grant Thornton
    Hussain Manjee DHD Films
    James Brownson McKesson
    James George Toyota Motor North America
    Jamika Doakes AT&T Inc.
    Jay Kadi FORVIS
    Jennifer Federici YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
    Jennifer Stimpson Hattie Hill Enterprises
    Jessica Watts Axxess
    John Lawrence Baker Botts L.L.P.
    John Sidorek The Boeing Company
    Kay Shelton Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
    Kayla Welsch Hillwood, a Perot Company
    Kelly Biegler Atmos Energy Corporation
    Kim Cummings Children’s Health
    LaKia Ross BGSF
    Lamont Hill Oncor
    Laura Klempay Health Care Service Corporation
    Linda Braddy American Red Cross
    Liz Schaab JPMorgan Chase
    Maricarmen Tamez Turner Construction Company
    Mario Perez Dolan Jackson Walker LLP
    Marissa Eddings 7-Eleven, Inc.
    Marjorie Murat Dallas Afterschool
    Mary Perrotta PwC
    Melody Bell UT Southwestern Medical Center
    Michelle Alden Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
    Nicole Fox Southwest Airlines
    Perla Molina Dallas College
    Prashant Karanam Ernst & Young LLP
    Renee Castillo CBRE
    Ryan Schutt HKS, Inc.
    Stephen Tigh Regions
    Steven Schulman Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP
    Tandra Allen Junior League of Dallas
    Taylor Vaught Frost
    TianEn Stephenson Accenture
    Tiffany Northern Texas Health Resources Presbyterian Dallas Hospital
    Todd Westerburg Bank of America
    Tyler Kleinert Hunt Realty Investments, Inc.
    Yolanda Bevill The University of Texas at Arlington

UPCOMING LEADERSHIP EVENTS