LEAD Athens

LEAD Athens is an intense year-long program of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce designed to develop effective leaders committed to building a vibrant community. The vision of LEAD Athens is to be the premier program inspiring leaders to exceed both their individual and collective potential.

Through Leadership, Education, Awareness, and Development, participants are heavily immersed in community issues including economic development, health and human services, education, the arts, local industry, and government.

Team building, problem-solving, and decision-making are also part of the program which yields a class of leaders ready to LEAD Athens. Founded in 1982, LEAD Athens has a rich history and has yielded over 700 alumni from all cross sections of the community. The LEAD Athens alumni have become great leaders in the Athens area and are helping the Chamber to guide this city to a bright and prosperous future.

Click Here to Apply for the 2025-2026 LEAD Athens Class

Danielle Vito
Class of 2022

"LEAD has given me an opportunity to really get to know the Classic City and the fabulous people who influence our uniqueness. Being able to work along side such amazing leaders, while learning more about everything Athens has to offer, will be an experience I hold on to forever."

Tionya Lawrence
Athens Neighborhood Health Center

Class of 2022

"LEAD Athens has given me an opportunity to truly see Athens--the opportunity to see her in all her glory and in all her shortcomings. It's given me the opportunity to connect with individuals I may not have otherwise met and together we can all take what we've learned, engage, and collaborate to make Athens an even better community."