Leadership Portland

Developing Portland’s business and civic leaders

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders for Portland’s future

Leadership Portland is the Chamber’s long-standing civic engagement program, helping Portland professionals understand the institutions and critical issues impacting our region. Class cohorts participate in monthly program days, exploring different aspects of civic life in the Rose City: local and state government, public safety, land use, education, housing and infrastructure, arts and culture, and more. Programming includes topical deep-dives, panels, group discussions, site visits, and excursions, all aimed at deepening the cohort’s insight into Portland.

Leadership Portland is made possible, in part, through the support of:

For anyone eager to delve into the heart of Portland, gain insight, and contribute meaningfully, I wholeheartedly encourage applying for this transformative experience.

Whitney Eikmeier, Senior Corporate Relations Manager, American Cancer Society (LP Class of 2024)

Why join Leadership Portland?

Civic Engagement

Gain access to Portland’s top experts and decision-makers to form an understanding of the inner workings of our city.

Community

Join an enthusiastic network of leaders, including past alumni, who can support each other in building a stronger Portland.

Conversation

Engage in dynamic discussions and grow your ability to connect with diverse viewpoints.

I gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of the city and its stakeholders, finishing the program with a greater understanding of the complex challenges we are facing. I also came away with great pride in the work being done and hope for the future of our city and region.

Liz Swagerty Olsen, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Vision Capital Management (LP Class of 2019)

A group of Leadership Portland participants listen to a speaker in a conference room

Program Calendar

The following schedule is provided for general informational purposes only. Specific dates will change yearly.

Program Application Open: May-June
Applicant Interviews: June-July
Applicant Notifications: July
Leadership Portland Retreat (two days): September 16 + 17
Monthly Program Days: October – May
Class Graduation: June

Program Requirements

To participate in the Leadership Portland program, participants must meet all of the following requirements:

Participant or participant’s employer must be a member of the Chamber throughout the duration of the program
Participant must agree to the time requirements of the program.
Maximum of two program participants from any single organization

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 program year, Leadership Portland tuition will be $3,500.

Tuition covers all costs related to the program, including the two-day off-site retreat, program day costs, and food.

A limited number of tuition scholarships and discounts are available each year.

The education I received is incredibly important to me, both personally and professionally. I am also grateful for the relationships I’ve built with my classmates. I feel officially plugged in to this inclusively rad community.

Jake Krummel, Retail District Manager, iQ Credit Union (LP Class of 2023)

Leadership Portland Alumni Association

Over the past 20 years, more than 600 local professionals have experienced the Leadership Portland program. When you join Leadership Portland, you become a part of this dynamic, larger-than-life community of alumni. The Leadership Portland Alumni Association organizes ongoing networking and educational opportunities for current and former program participants.

Leadership Portland Alumni Association is led by a volunteer committee of former program participants.

Chair:
Kyle Baisch, Senior Vice President, Portland Market President, Oregon Pacific Bank

Staff Lead:
Kat Langley-Rokhlin, Director of Leadership Programming, Portland Metro Chamber

See all LP Alumni

Interested in Leadership Portland?

Ready to throw your hat in the ring? Want to learn more about Leadership Portland? Contact our program coordinator for more information.

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