LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Beginning in 2004, the Union County Chamber Leadership Institute (UCCLI) 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
ELIGIBILITY/SELECTION
The Union County Chamber Leadership Institute solicits applications from Chamber members, businesses both private and public, from Union County, or their associates. Nominations are received and class members are selected on their own merits.
Organizations nominating possible students must consider their candidate to:
- possess high standards of personal quality and integrity;
- demonstrates an interest in community issues and a willingness to serve the community;
- displays a record of achievements that indicates his/her leadership ability; and
- lives and/or works in Union County
DIRECTOR
Brian Distanko is the Director of the Union County Chamber Leadership Institute. He has been the Director since 2022.
Brian is also the Marysville Human Resources Director. He has held that position since 2002. Prior to this, he served 24 years in the United States Air Force.
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 the 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, in 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 networks.
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 $850 for Chamber members and $950 for non-chamber members. Checks are to be made payable to the Union County Chamber of Commerce, attn.: Leadership Institute and should be mailed to 227 E. 5th St., Marysville OH 43040. Full payment must be received by orientation in August.
PAST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GRADUATES
2022-2023 Class
Andres, Ellen Select Sires
Bennett, Maxwell Pathways Financial Credit Union
Chapman, Cole Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Claborn, Dan Scotts Miracle-Gro
Coffey, Robin Memorial Health
Fair, Sarah RE/MAX Revealty
Gaver, Ashley City of Marysville
Gummel, Jonathan Richwood Bank
Haavisto, Cindy Honda Federal Credit Union
Jindra, Jon Richwood Bank
Lemmon, Lauren Marysville Public Library
LoParo, Heidi Marysville Exempted Village School District
Matthews, Doug Union County Health Department
Nicol, Martin Union Rural Electric Cooperative
Osborne, Miranda Memorial Health
Phillips, Jane TruGreen
Riedel, Mary MartinCSI
Roebke, David Memorial Health
Smithey, Collin North Main Motors & Eda’s Italian Ice
Tackett, Joy Honda Federal Credit Union
Tomlin, Cole City of Marysville
Tracey, Valerie Memorial Health
