Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation graduates Class of 2022-23 LITV

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce that the Leadership in the Valley (LITV) 2022-23 class of cohort participants has graduated from the program. This fourth class of cohorts were recognized at the LITV Graduation Ceremony held on May 11, 2023 at 7 Vines Winery, Dellwood, MN. The Graduation Ceremony was sponsored by Market & Johnson, who has had multiple employees graduate from the LITV program.

24 participants went through the class, starting in September 2022 and continuing through a nine-month program, ending in May 2023. The cohort met in different locations around the community each month exploring an important topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed included community and the arts, government, agriculture and environment, education, diversity, public safety-law, economic development/business, health and wellness, and leadership development. 

Leadership in the Valley Class of 2022-23

  • Tom Ballis, City of Stillwater- Fire

  • Amy Berge, Stillwater Area Public Schools

  • Derek Brandt, DiaSorin Inc.

  • Julie Grecian, The Partnership Plan for Stillwater Area Public Schools

  • Kelly Gutierrez, St. Croix Preparatory Academy

  • James Hanke, Market & Johnson

  • Brooke Hesse – Kjos, St. Croix Soccer Club, Inc.

  • Andrea Jorgenson, Stillwater Area Community Foundation

  • Krista Koehler, Stillwater Modern Dentistry

  • Joe Kohlmann, City of Stillwater

  • Anita Kroma, Kraus Anderson

  • Adriane Lepage, Valley Vision

  • Kelli Matzek, Washington County

  • Jen McCormick, Discover Stillwater

  • Brian  Mueller, City of Stillwater, Police Department

  • Amanda Myrick, Royal Credit Union

  • Melena Nelson, FamilyMeans

  • Jennifer Pinski, City of Oak Park Heights

  • Rachel Presslein, Community Thread

  • Mandee Puente, Agent M Insurance

  • Jennifer Sayers, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

  • Aliya Taube, Inver Grove Toyota

  • Chris Tetrault, Hometown Hero Outdoors

  • Michael Wilhelmi, Xcel Energy

“My experience in the 2022-2023 Leadership in the Valley Cohort has been nothing short of amazing. Each month was better than the next as we were presented with compelling and relevant information about the great things our community has to offer. The most important takeaway has been the relationships we have built during our time together. This will be mandatory participation for my leadership team moving forward!.” ~ Brian Mueller, Chief of Police, Stillwater Police Department.

The graduates now become members of the Leadership in the Valley Alumni Alliance and join over 60 past participants of the program, who gather throughout the year to network. 

Applications are currently open for the 5th year of Leadership in the Valley.
The deadline to apply for the Class of 2023-24 is July 21, 2023.  Find more details here. Leadership in the Valley is a program of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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Photo credit: Kristina Lynn Photography & Design

Left to Right-Front row: Jen McCormick, Rachel Presslein, Mandee Puente, Kelli Matzek, Julie Grecian; Second row: Aliya Taube, Andrea Jorgenson, Amanda Myrick, Adriane Lepage, Melena Nelson; Third row: Brian Mueller, Michael Wilhelmi, Amy Berge, Anita Kroma, Jennifer Sayers, Jennifer Pinski; Back row: Derek Brandt, Brooke Hesse – Kjos, James Hanke, Kelly Gutierrez, Joe Kohlmann and Tom Ballis. Missing: Chris Tetrault and Krista Koehler.