Program Mission
Leadership River Region educates, engages, and empowers a diverse group of business professionals to foster the growth of dynamic leaders for St. James, St. John, and St. Charles parishes by broadening the knowledge of socio-economic influences and inspiring leaders to collaborate.
Grow as a leader. Serve the River Region.
What Is Leadership River Region
Leadership River Region is a nine-month leadership development program designed to build a diverse, cross-sector network of emerging and established leaders from St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes. Facilitated by a professional leadership development team, the program offers interactive workshops, on-site visits, and access to local leaders and changemakers actively working to shape the future of the River Parishes.
Through immersive, topic-driven sessions, participants gain deep exposure to the most pressing issues facing our region. Core focus areas include:
- Healthcare
- Public Policy & Civic Engagement
- Community & Economic Development
- Regionalism
- Education & Workforce Development
- Arts & Culture
- Equity & Inclusion
This experiential approach enables participants to develop leadership competencies, build meaningful relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the region they serve.
What You’ll Gain
- Real-world leadership development
- Behind-the-scenes exposure to regional systems
- Access to a powerful network of changemakers
- Community insights and civic literacy
- A lifelong alumni network across all three parishes
Grow your leadership. Expand your voice. Make a difference in the River Parishes.
Who Should Apply
We invite emerging and established leaders from across industries — including business, education, nonprofit, healthcare, public service, and more. Ideal candidates are:
- Committed to personal growth and professional excellence
- Interested in civic leadership and regional issues
- Willing to engage fully in a cohort-style program
Program Timeline and Format
- October – Orientation & Opening Retreat
- Monthly Sessions (Oct–June) – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- June – Graduation & Closing Retreat
Participant's Expectations
Commit to the entire program with the understanding that there are no refunds. Individuals unable to complete the attendance requirements will not graduate from the program. Participants can miss up to two classes, not including the mandatory opening and closing retreat(s). Participants missing more than two classes will not be allowed to graduate.
Application Checklist
- Check your calendar for availability on the program dates. Only two excused absences are allowed.
- Following the submission of your application, you will receive an invoice for the application fee.
- Please pay the application fee online or inform the Chamber staff if you are mailing a check.
- Submit the application and fee by the deadline.
Program Cost
The cost for the 2026 Leadership River Region Cohort is:
- Application Fee: $35
- Member Tuition: $1,500
- Future-Member Tuition: $1,800
The River Region Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501c3 organization; this investment may be tax deductible as a business expense. Please consult your tax advisor.