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. 5th 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 |
Past Leadership Institute Research Projects
| 10 Lesson Plan for Teaching Leadership to Elementary Students |
| A Canoe Livery Proposal for Big Darby in Union County |
| A Proposal for a Youth Center in Union County |
| Advantages and disadvantages of a dog park |
| An Orientation Program for New Students in the Marysville Exempted Village School District |
| Chamber of Commerce’s Comparative Analysis |
| Children Cell Phone Use |
| Exploration of Workforce Development Activities Among Service Providers |
| Financial preparedness for post-secondary education in Union County |
| Guide for Healthy Eating in Union County |
| Heart of the City Walk |
| How & Where do Residents Receive News and Information in Union County |
| How Marysville Relates to Commuters and Vice Versa |
| It Takes A Village |
| Jerome Township Brochures |
| Leadership Survey Presentation Resident vs. Non Resident |
| Logistics of Opening a Gun Range in Union County |
| Marysville Schools Quick Guide for Parents & Guardians Program |
| Memories of the Past Plain City |
| The Im-Balance of Nature in Union County |
| Need for Pediatric Respite Service in Union County |
| Ohio Historical Marker Program |
| Operation Feed Union County |
| Pamphlet for Richwood Visitors |
| Partnership between Union County Leadership & Union County Business Education |
| Preserve America Designation |
| Proposal for exploring different sites to relocate the Union County Airport |
| Scholarship Essay Contest |
| Summer Activities Guide for Youth in Union County |
| Survey of Employee Training Program |
| Test Pilot Volunteer Program for East Elementary |
| Two Grant Approvals for Historical Markers in Union County |
| Union County Covered Bridge Tour DVD |
| Union County Heritage Brochure |
| Video of the History of Magnetic Springs |
| Volunteer Leadership Opportunities Brochure |
| Volunteer Resources in Union County |
| Wellness Program for Businesses |