Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation announces the 2024-25 Leadership in the Valley class

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber Foundation) is pleased to announce the Leadership in the Valley (LITV) 2024-25 class of participants. This is the 6th year of LITV and will be the largest cohort to date, with 30 participants.

This cohort will begin their Leadership in the Valley journey with a Welcome Reception and Kick-off Day, September 11 and 12, 2024. The LITV Welcome Reception is sponsored by Royal Credit Union, who has supported the Leadership in the Valley program since its inception. 

Leadership in the Valley is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include agriculture and environment, government, economic development/business, health & wellness, education, diversity-equity and inclusion, public safety and law, community and the arts and leadership development. 

In addition, community outreach and volunteering/service is encouraged through service projects that allow small groups to work together over the 9 months, with a local non-profit organization that is assigned to them on Kick Off day.

“Leadership in the Valley empowers individuals with the skills and insights needed to drive positive change in our community. By fostering a network of dedicated leaders, the program not only enhances personal growth but also strengthens the fabric of our region, ensuring a brighter, more collaborative future for all.” — Robin Anthony, President, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The LITV program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our community and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. LITV is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community. 

Meet the cohort participants, class of 2025! 

• Nicolas Barratt, Lakeview Hospital
• Sydney Bebeau, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
• Brooke Brokaw-Petska, Market & Johnson
• Meghan Cernohous, Royal Credit Union
• Bethany Cox, Wild Rivers Conservancy
• Alexandra England, Stillwater Police Department
• Jesse Farrell, City of Stillwater
• Ben Gutknecht, City of Stillwater
• Randy Gutzmann, Community Volunteer
• Michele Hanson, City of Bayport
• Elsbeth Howe, Stillwater Public Library Foundation
• Dustin Kalis, City of Lake Elmo
• Jade Klemmensen, Eckberg Lammers
• Monique Kolb, Boston Scientific
• Kristin Kroll, United Way of Washington County-East
• Joel Legut, Washington County Sheriff's Office
• Megan Linder, K2 & Co
• Heidi Louise, Dodge Nature Center and Preschool
• Caitlin Mejia, Curio Dance
• Nicole Miller, City of Lake Elmo
• Ed Nelsen, Valley Outreach
• Jacob Rife, City of Oak Park Heights
• Jen Rogness, FIT Real Estate Group
• Celeste Sarabia, Xcel Energy
• Aaron Scherbel, Royal Credit Union
• Margie Schmid, Sprout Nutrition and Wellness Coaching
• Steve Smillie, Edina Realty
• Deborah Smith, First Resource Bank
• Caitlyn Willis, Stillwater Area School District
• Dan Young, City of Stillwater

At the end of the Leadership in the Valley program year, a graduation ceremony and dinner will be held in recognition of the class, in May of 2025. After completing the program, graduates will join the 100+ members of the Leadership in the Valley Alumni group, who actively continue their leadership with volunteering, gatherings and virtual meetings.

The Chamber Foundation is seeking Day Sponsors for the 2024-25 LITV program year. 

Please contact the Chamber office with interest.

Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

www.greaterstillwaterchamber.com

 (651) 439-4001 / Email

###