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.

Applications for the 2023-2024 class are now open. You can view a sample application here and click the button below to apply.

Apply for the 2023-2024 LEAD Class

Danielle Vito
Athens Area Humane Society
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."

Travis Burroughs
Pellicano Constrution
Class of 2022

"LEAD Athens has connected me to Athens deeper than I could have imaged. I’m enjoying learning so much about the Classic City and its connectivity to business, nonprofits, and issues needing our attention.”