The Program:

Beginning in 2004, the Union County Leadership Institute has offered countless professionals an experience of hands on education and networking.

The program has five main objectives:

• Exposure to key issues affecting residents and businesses in Union County
• Exposure to influential leaders in business and government in Union County
• Networking and building relationships with 25 professionals throughout the ten month class
• Hands on education and experiences through planning a class session and completing a quality of life research project
• Increase knowledge of leadership traits and identifying personal leadership styles

Leadership Students should have high standards of personal quality and integrity, respect, responsibility, reliability and a sincere interest in community issues.

Throughout the ten month program, Leadership Students are empowered to be an integral part of the class day planning process and, therefore, enabled to be visionary and active leaders in the community as they explore critical issues with knowledgeable speakers, effective facilitators and a variety of experimental activities. Leadership Students are also required to complete a community-directed research project aimed at affecting the quality of life in Union County.

Selection :

The Union County Leadership Institute solicits applications from all Chamber members and their associates. Nominations are received and Leadership Students are selected on their own merits through the application process conducted by the Leadership Institute Selection Committee. The class meets on the first Thursday of each month, beginning in September, to discuss critical issues and topics as well as leadership skill-building through the program’s completion in May.

Eligibility:

The Leadership Institute Selection Committee looks for several qualities in potential students. In order to be selected, applicants must: Be in positions of responsibility, such as managers, supervisors, directors, business owners, etc. – Demonstrate a sincere interest in community issues and a willingness to serve the community – Show a record of achievement or interest in community activities which indicate his/her leadership ability – Live or work in Union County and intend to remain so in the foreseeable future.

A diligent effort will be made to select class members who represent a cross section of Chamber businesses; it is this business, geographic and demographic diversity among class members that generates much of the meaningful personal interaction and personal learning in the leadership program.

Director:

Robert (Bob) L. Whitman is the Director of the Leadership Institute.

Bob was born, reared and educated in LaRue, Ohio. Bob is the past Director of Chamber Programs and Membership of the Union County Chamber of Commerce in Marysville, Ohio.

A retired school superintendent of 24 years, Bob received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the Ohio State University and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in research and writing. Books he has written include Planning, Promoting and Passing School Tax Issues, A Resource Manual for School Levy Campaign Leaders and Jim Thorpe and the Oorang Indians: The NFL’s Most Colorful Franchise, and Jim Thorpe: Athlete of The Century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to live in Union County to participate?

A: One of the goals of the Leadership Institute is to raise leaders who will invest back into our community; therefore, all Leadership Students must live OR work in Union County and intend to remain so in the foreseeable future.

Q: Who should participate in the Leadership Institute?

A: Our desire is to build capacities of 21st-century leaders. Leadership Students will greatly expand their knowledge and understanding of Union County and will learn how to utilize their leadership skills by getting involved in the community. Students will participate, and organize, classes where you will learn more about your own leadership skills, as well as meet influential community leaders, learn about the government and school systems and greatly expand your personal and professional network.

Q: What if I have scheduling conflicts during some of the sessions? Should I still apply?

A: Absolutely! While attendance and participation are critically important, we also understand Leadership Students have commitments that may take priority throughout the 10-month program. Scheduling conflicts should be addressed with the Leadership Institute Selection Committee during the application process.

Q: What does the program cost?

A: The total cost of the Leadership Institute is $750. Checks are to be made payable to the Union County Chamber of Commerce, attn.: Leadership Institute and should be mailed to 227 E. 5^th St., Marysville OH 43040. Full payment must be received by orientation in August.

Leadership Institute Alumni Remarks

“Excellent team-building experience builds social interaction (friends) with other like-minded individuals, it helps build a networking platform and provides an introduction to community leaders. You will be asked to take on leadership roles in the community and most importantly, it builds confidence, confidence, and confidence!” – Andy Smarra, Union County Treasurer

“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.” – Alex Jones, Director of Nursing, Union County Health Department

“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.” – Christy Clark

“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.” – Mary Sampsel, Retired Union Assistant Engineer

“I would encourage anyone to participate in the Leadership Institute Class, it is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to network with others in the community, a chance to hear various presenters talk about their business they work for, what they do, and how their business benefits our community both locally and beyond. As with anything, there areQA going to be both positives and negatives, we just hope that the positive outweighs the negative.” – Dan Bosch, Union Rural Electric

“I would definitely recommend the Leadership Institute. I got to know a lot of great people and learned about the inner workings of the city and county on a variety of topics. I would definitely recommend it. I also was the first class to go through the fire training and that was a blast!” – Deb Stubbs, Memorial Hospital

Leadership Institute Graduates

2019-2020	2018-2019	2017-2018
Baker, Craig	Amerine, Dave	Bowsher, Nick
Beals, Nancy	Blumenschein, Tracy	Brake, David
Burd, Jessica	Bradley, Bob	Bresson, Paul
Cain, Jessica	Brickner, Stephanie	Davidson, Bryan
Clark, Jamie	Brown, Kathy	Dejarnette, Mel
Clarridge, Melissa	Crosby, Allison	Feucht, Kyle
Farmer, Justin	Cushman, Whitney	Gindlesberger, Tasha
Fritz, Chad	Dishong, Shannon	Goins, Kyle
Gardner, Dan	Finney, Mark	Heminger, Kim
Haynes, Ginger	Fishman, Jake	Hoyng, Kyle
Heard, Teri	Fries, Elizabeth	Johnson, Alexis
Jones, Kristen	Griffin, Steve	Justice, Michael
Mayse, Mandi	Guy-Schrienk, Julie	Mickens, Laura
McCartney, Kate	Kelley, Katherine	Niccolini, Debra
Millhoan, Pamela	King, Jason	Potridge, Kris
Nelson, Ashlei	Kuebler, Jim	Seeberg, Chad
Russell, Jason	Nahvi, Justin	Sigrist, Stephanie
Salapata, Samantha	Parthemore, Ali	Spain, Betsy
Schultz, Adam	Seiter, Beth	Sperrazza, Dominic
Silva, Linda	Sheets, Beth	Stephens, Amy
Spain, Julie	Stiers, Jeffery	Stevens, Joni
Todd, Ron	Truitt, Carly	Stoppa, Cindy
Warnock, Cayla	Walkowicz, Julia	Wallace, Cassandra
Zeek, John	Warden, Matthew	Wever, Rebecca
		Xiong, Shiping

2016-2017	2015-2016	2014-2015
Anderson, Bethany	Alexander, Janell	Andrako, Mike
Barr, Anne	Atkins, Philip	Brooks, Tony
Bemiller, Brian	Behrens, Roberta	Broomstra, Susan
Bishop, Andrew	Berbee, Bob	Bruce, Darlene
Bosch, Alicia	Boyer, Ashley	Champman, Joe
Bott, Corrie	Bugg, Ashley	Clayton, Tricia
Cohn, Chad	Frisch, Jeffery	Cogar, Jim
Devine, Paul	Hardbarger, Ashley	Colwell, Megan
Flowers, Chad	Krutowskis, Anna	Cook, Aaron
Harper, Tonia	Lambert, Jessica	Deverse, Jessica
Hixson, Cory	LaMendola, Sue	Eley, Amanda
Keith, Pam	Langhals, Jonathan	Gruber, Abby
Maine, Tara	Morris, Amanda	Johnston, Cody
McHattie, Kenneth	Norman, Chris	Markham, Teresa
McKinnon, Stephanie	North-Thompson, Tammy	Poling, Nathan
Michael, Beau	Nowels, Nieca	Seeber, Sarah
Porter, Arlene	Partee, Lindsay	Stidam, Amanda
Sachs, Nate	Sattler, Barbara	Tarney, Erin
Spires, Brian	Scott, Leesa	Will, Anthony
Thompson, Ashley	Utt, Matt	Winter, Brian
Thrush, Jennifer		Warner, Roberta
Walters, Jason
Ware, Sue
Zweizig, Holly

2013-2014	2012-2013	2010-2011
Bibart, Rob	Beebe, Melinda	Allen, Seth
Brown, Kara	Lassiter, Doug	Amett, Aric
Bush, Amy	Lassiter, Betty	Baird, Mike
Calvert, Amber	Burns, Nathan	Balch, Rick
Chapman, Tom	Breckenridge, Sean	Belville, Terri
Chavarria, Jenny	Reser, Shelly	Brubaker, Jeniffer
Collins, Evie	Ridley, Matt	Buerk, Phillip
Damask, Jim	Stringfellow, Drew	Hammer, Duane
Delauter, David	Mercer, Michele	Hoyt, Jeremy
Garrett-Schwyn, Ashley	Davis, Emily	Jones, Alexandria
Gilbert, Brad	Johnson, Nate	Lee, Tiffany
Hamilton, Amy	Dawson, Tim	Mason, Corry
Hassinger, Marilyn	Altizer, Lindsay	McClintock, Robert
Maxwell, Angela	Branstiter, Wade	Narducci, Bill
Michelson, Ryan	Knotts, Tina	Obenour, Kathryn
Patton, Jamie	Dreiseidel, Marcia	Palivoda, Tory
Puckett, Kim	See, Andrea	Smarra, Andrew
Ritter, Cindy	Burns, Barb	Scheiderer, Carol
Scalf-Leber, Stephanie	Smith, Ryan	Scroggins, Jamie
Spain, Bo		Tabor, Wendy
Spellman, Susan		Trianfro, Jr., Victor
Vollrath, Benjamin		Watson, Candace
Weakley, Kent		Weaver, Andrea
Witt, Inge		Wood, Tiffany
Wolfe, Jeannie

2009-2010	2008-2009	2007-2008
Baldwin, Stephen	Anderson, Michele	Ball, Brian
Bezusko, Carrie	Ballenger, Andy	Ball, Donna
Bosch, Dan	Benson, Katie	Burtch, Sheryl
Bugg, Ryan	Dietsch, Kathy	DeLong, Greg
Clark, Brian	Douglas, Dick	Eley, Phil
Connolly, John	Goddard, Rod	England, Christopher
Cramer, Deb	Greenway, Tim	Gehres, Brian
Crawford, Deborah	Hanlon-Stolte, Mardy	Given, Carrie
Decot, Lisa	Johnson, Beth	Golden, Doug
Fairchild, Nina	Keifer, Eric	Kontos, Kim
Focht, Lynnette	Maruniak, Scott	Nevil-English, Charlene
Gleeson, David	McQuade, Brett	Page, Cortney
Higinbotham, Amy	Michalak, Laura	Phillips, Dave
Holschulte, Josh	Morgan, Tom	Rose, Mike
Kemp, Jackie	Purcell, Jonee	Schaner, Debra
Koschalk, Kyle	Reigle, Linda	Shelton, Deb
Kruse, Lyle	Riley, Jay	Slattman, Robin
Maruskin, Scott	Rock, Brenda	Wilson, Kim
Mudgett, Heather	Smith, Anthony	Wills, Tai
Nicol, Glen	Stanford, Jason
Patterson, Lorli	Steele, Carla
Perkins, Todd
Plank, Dani
Rapp, Sandy
Sech, Shawn
VanDyke, Steve
Wellman, Lisa

2006-2007	2005-2006	2004-2005
Applegate, Dr. David	Ahern, Bob	Banks, Sue
Aquillo, Mike	Boerger, Patty	Bauman, Adam
Baetz, Nedra	Clark, Christy	Behrens, Kevin
Bezusko, Dave	Comstock, Jason	Bowers, Trent
Chrispin, Matt	Conklin, Gary	Camron, Marilee
Clase, Joe	Cooper, Charita	Commings, Bob
Cox, Jim	Cox, Faye	Conklin, Nancy
Dostanko, Brian	Ehlers, Jeff	Cooper, Patrick
Hill, Tina	Finney, Rachel	Daberkow, Suzanne
Irwin, Sue	Fisher, Spence	Duke, Joe
Kannally, Tim	Gandre, Harry	Franke, Chris
Mangine, Ellen	Golden, Floyd	Haverkamp, Jacqueline
Miller, Kim	Krewson, Glen	Hiss, Robert
Moore, Randy	McDonnell, Ryan	Holt, Ellen
Nelson, Rocky	Orcena, Jason	House, Kathy
Oetker, Cathy	Page, Mareva Lee	Jacques, Marian
Priday, Andy	Pond, Ellen	Marsh, Shari
Ravencraft, Brian	Sampsel, Mary	Sattler, Charles
Sayers, Chris	Severn, Patricia	Schulze, Dennis
Sellers, Leah	Smith, Stephen	Smith, Evan
Smith, Brooke	Speicher, David	Stanley, Rebecca
Wieringa, Emily	Wirtz, Carman	Stauch, Jeff
Wirtz, Jeff	Ziegler, Jeffrey	Tremmel, Martin
Zani, Carl	Zumwalde, Suzanne	Williams, Pat
Ziegler, Melanie		Winkle, Randy