Chamber Leadership Program​
PURPOSE
Leadership Shelby County was created to increase the quality and quantity of men and women capable of accepting leadership roles in varied community organizations. Participants are exposed to a variety of social and economic issues facing our area. This awareness helps develop informed, civic-oriented leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of Shelby County.
PROGRAM
Leadership Shelby County consists of 10 typically full-day sessions (a couple are half day) held one day a month from September through June. The classes are held at locations in Shelby County that best relate to the topic area. During each session, participants are introduced to issues by means of panels, lectures, tours, group discussions and simulations. In each case, the program is designed to address specific areas rather than vague concepts.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants are selected using an objective process with information presented on a completed program application.
Selection criteria are:
To graduate, participants are required to attend the entire day of all sessions. Missed sessions must be made up within two years after initial program year. As part of the program, participants serve a three-meeting, non-voting internship with a local non-profit or governmental group. Placement is made after the first session. Those currently serving on an active board may submit a written request to be excused from the internship requirement.
TOPICS
Leadership Development
Geography, History & People of Shelby County
Economic Development
Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue & Criminal Justice
Education
Human Services
Media
Health Services
City & County Government
Agriculture
TUITION
If accepted in the Leadership Shelby County program, each participant (or participant's sponsor or company) will be billed for the tuition fee of $300.00 for program costs.
APPLICATION
Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the Chamber Leadership Application form.
2026 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP GRADUATES:
Michael Callum
Bradley Coomes, Copeland
Sarah Funk, F & M Bank
Cody Gish, Combined Community Food Pantry/AGAPE
Trena Hershberger, Air Handling Equipment
Aaron Homan, Shelby County Engineer’s Office
Jordan Knepper, Community Foundation of Shelby County
Mack Knupp, Shelby County Commissioners
Marisa Kremer, McCrate, DeLaet & Company
Rachel Leffel, McCrate, DeLaet & Company
Matthew McGillivary, Upper Valley Career Center
Heather Moffitt, Shelby County Historical Society
Cassandra Monnin, Shelby County Libraries
Emily Mothmiller, Hegemann & Zimmerman Co., L.P.A. & Shelby County Prosecutor
Neil Murphy, Sidney-Shelby County YMCA
Corey Palakovic, WiseBridge Wealth Management
Ben Perreira, Shelby County Engineer’s Office
Jenny Piatt, Shelby County Libraries
Mason Platfoot, Ruese Insurance Agency, Inc.
Sarah Quick, Upper Valley Career Center
Aaron Rode, Sidney Police Department
Derek Stitzel, Sidney Fire & Emergency Services
Natalie Williams, Osgood Bank
Alex Winner, Copeland
Lucas Woodward, Sidney Fire & Emergency Services
GRADUATION CELEBRATION HELD AUGUST 13, 2026
ROW 1 (L-R) - Cassandra Monnin, Marisa Kremer, Jenny Piatt, Heather Moffitt, Sarah Funk, Michael Callum, Trena Hershberger.
ROW 2 (L-R) - Neil Murphy, Rachel Leffel, Bradley Coomes, Emily Mothmiller, Mack Knupp, Jordan Knepper, Aaron Rode.
Leadership Shelby County was created to increase the quality and quantity of men and women capable of accepting leadership roles in varied community organizations. Participants are exposed to a variety of social and economic issues facing our area. This awareness helps develop informed, civic-oriented leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of Shelby County.
PROGRAM
Leadership Shelby County consists of 10 typically full-day sessions (a couple are half day) held one day a month from September through June. The classes are held at locations in Shelby County that best relate to the topic area. During each session, participants are introduced to issues by means of panels, lectures, tours, group discussions and simulations. In each case, the program is designed to address specific areas rather than vague concepts.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants are selected using an objective process with information presented on a completed program application.
Selection criteria are:
- Motivation and commitment to serve the community
- Demonstrated Leadership Qualities
- An interest in participating in community projects upon completion of the series
To graduate, participants are required to attend the entire day of all sessions. Missed sessions must be made up within two years after initial program year. As part of the program, participants serve a three-meeting, non-voting internship with a local non-profit or governmental group. Placement is made after the first session. Those currently serving on an active board may submit a written request to be excused from the internship requirement.
TOPICS
Leadership Development
Geography, History & People of Shelby County
Economic Development
Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue & Criminal Justice
Education
Human Services
Media
Health Services
City & County Government
Agriculture
TUITION
If accepted in the Leadership Shelby County program, each participant (or participant's sponsor or company) will be billed for the tuition fee of $300.00 for program costs.
APPLICATION
Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the Chamber Leadership Application form.
2026 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP GRADUATES:
Michael Callum
Bradley Coomes, Copeland
Sarah Funk, F & M Bank
Cody Gish, Combined Community Food Pantry/AGAPE
Trena Hershberger, Air Handling Equipment
Aaron Homan, Shelby County Engineer’s Office
Jordan Knepper, Community Foundation of Shelby County
Mack Knupp, Shelby County Commissioners
Marisa Kremer, McCrate, DeLaet & Company
Rachel Leffel, McCrate, DeLaet & Company
Matthew McGillivary, Upper Valley Career Center
Heather Moffitt, Shelby County Historical Society
Cassandra Monnin, Shelby County Libraries
Emily Mothmiller, Hegemann & Zimmerman Co., L.P.A. & Shelby County Prosecutor
Neil Murphy, Sidney-Shelby County YMCA
Corey Palakovic, WiseBridge Wealth Management
Ben Perreira, Shelby County Engineer’s Office
Jenny Piatt, Shelby County Libraries
Mason Platfoot, Ruese Insurance Agency, Inc.
Sarah Quick, Upper Valley Career Center
Aaron Rode, Sidney Police Department
Derek Stitzel, Sidney Fire & Emergency Services
Natalie Williams, Osgood Bank
Alex Winner, Copeland
Lucas Woodward, Sidney Fire & Emergency Services
GRADUATION CELEBRATION HELD AUGUST 13, 2026
ROW 1 (L-R) - Cassandra Monnin, Marisa Kremer, Jenny Piatt, Heather Moffitt, Sarah Funk, Michael Callum, Trena Hershberger.
ROW 2 (L-R) - Neil Murphy, Rachel Leffel, Bradley Coomes, Emily Mothmiller, Mack Knupp, Jordan Knepper, Aaron Rode.
