Leadership Northeast
Leadership Northeast is an educational leadership program presented by the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. The program consists of nine sessions devoted to identifying and strengthening the leadership skills of participants and putting that knowledge into action in the Northeast Johnson County Communities. 
Crucial skills will be fostered through various speakers, hands-on experiences, community involvement, meetings with key leaders in the community and working with fellow class members. Graduates of Leadership Northeast have gone on to serve in leadership capacities in their organizations, neighborhoods and in city and state government.
Leadership Northeast offers valuable training in the areas of:
- Enhancing leadership and communication skills
- Building personal and business contacts
- Hands-on problem solving with real-world challenges
- Opportunityto hear from some ofNortheastJohnsonCounty’s key business and community leaders informing you of important issues that may affect your business and the community in which you live.
LNE Sessions:
Session 1: Program and Overview
Session 2: Leadership Styles and Volunteerism
Session 3:CommunityBuilding
Session 4: State Government
Session 5: Economic Development, Education and Tourism
Session 6:CountyGovernment
Session 7: Public Safety
Session 8: Regional Issues and Opportunities
Session 9: Taking the Next Step
What Former Students are Saying:
“I read somewhere that ‘people are more easily led than driven,’ and that quote reminded me of our public safety day. We were afforded opportunities to participate in activities that could be intimidating for some, but with the leadership and encouragement of the firemen, we were easily led. It was also a day that I believe our group bonded; some because of small fear factor during an event and some because they admired others for their participation. Thank you, Leadership Northeast, for your leadership skills and for providing the great opportunities to stretch ourselves.”
Ruth Randall, Johnson County Community College, LNE Class of 2011
“I can’t say enough good things about the Leadership Northeast program. It gave me an
invaluable insight into the inner workings of our Northeast cities, helped define my leadership and learning styles, and taught all of us the true power of collaboration.”
David Swinehart, Commerce Bank, LNE Class of 2004
“What an amazing and eye opening experience! After going through LNE you realize how fortunate we are to live in Johnson County. The high level of services available are incredible – that most of us don’t know about. LNE gives you the opportunity to learn about Johnson County– the services and how the cities work together. You also learn interesting things about the area – who would know that KC Strings in Merriam is known worldwide and imports their wood from China. Or there is a rock star living in downtown Merriam.
Greg Zarobsky, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, LNE Class of 2011
“When I began the course, I had no idea of how much I really didn’t know about the area and the providers of numerous services which we take for granted each day. My experience in Leadership Northeast gave me a solid foundation of learning about the cities in Northeast Johnson County and how unique each city is and it’s part in the big picture. Even after 11 years since completing the course, I am continually reminded of the valuable experiences and relationships I gained through LNE.”
Councilmember Nancy Hupp, City of Merriam, LNE Class of 1995
“At the Overland Park Fire training center, the majority of participants shared their life experiences with the class. The stories heard were the best most interesting I have ever witnessed. I felt so very honored to be in the presence of such heroic people, each in their own way. I am only sorry to not have those stories to read again and again. I was inspired by everyone’s difficulties overcome.”
Michael Foltz, Visual Construction Systems, LNE Class of 2011



