About the Program:
The Jefferson Leadership Institute (JLI) is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and effective community leaders. Through twelve full-day, in-person sessions held between September and June, participants gain an in-depth understanding of the key issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping Jefferson County.
The curriculum blends experiential learning, facilitated discussions, and direct engagement with local leaders and organizations. Participants strengthen essential leadership skills, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop a broader perspective on how systems, sectors, and organizations work together to drive community impact. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, empowering participants to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to positive change.
A core component of the Jefferson Leadership Institute is preparing participants for impactful board service. Participants learn the roles and responsibilities of productive board members, explore governance best practices, and gain exposure to local nonprofit and public-sector boards seeking engaged leaders. Graduates are strongly encouraged to apply their skills by joining a local board of directors, helping to strengthen organizations and advance the long-term vitality of the community.
Program Benefits:
For the Employer:
- Develops increased leadership skills that can be used for greater organizational effectiveness.
- Presents opportunities to form strategic alliances and develops a regional network to help with business solutions.
- Promotes greater understanding of diversity that can be applied at place of employment.
- An increase in opportunities for growth often led to an increase in workplace satisfaction and prompt higher retention rates.
For the Individual:
- Provides experience in group dynamics, team leadership, presentation skills, and critical thinking.
- Acquaints participants with the community’s continuing needs, challenges and resources.
- Builds an informed network of diverse colleagues for individual, business and community problem solving.
- Offers opportunities for participants to explore and strengthen personal leadership competencies.
- Builds confidence and motivation to become actively involved in promoting positive change for Jefferson County.
History & Curriculum:
The program was formulated in 1991 when a number of community leaders recognized that the same few people were serving on many Boards, and that major community decisions were being made by a very small group of people. They recognized that the future of the Jefferson County area is directly linked to the quality of its leadership, and that dedicated, trained and motivated community leaders shape and determine the future of the region. The “founders” decided that a leadership program was needed to teach and cultivate new community leaders, and to help move those participants into important positions within the community.
The JLI program was modeled after several existing leadership programs, and over the years has been modified to best suit the specific needs of our community. Curriculum includes: history, non-profits & community organizations, agriculture, government, media, healthcare, economic development, public safety, education, Fort Drum, tourism, and construction.
