Johnston County’s premier leadership development program seeks professionals committed to growing their leadership capacity and strengthening their impact in the community.
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Leadership Johnston program, an immersive leadership development experience designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and connected leaders throughout Johnston County.
Presented through a partnership between the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and Johnston Community College, Leadership Johnston equips participants with a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and resources shaping one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties. The program is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their leadership skills, broaden their professional networks, and gain valuable insight into the communities they serve.
For more than three decades, Leadership Johnston has helped develop hundreds of business, nonprofit, education, healthcare, and government leaders who continue to make a lasting impact across Johnston County.
“Strong communities require strong leaders,” said Kelly Wallace, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. “Leadership Johnston provides participants with a unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership abilities while gaining firsthand knowledge of the issues, organizations, and partnerships driving Johnston County’s future. Employers consistently tell us the program helps their team members return with greater confidence, broader perspectives, and stronger professional relationships.”
“Each year, we seek individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to their organizations and communities, and a genuine desire to learn and grow,” Wallace added. “The application process helps us assemble a cohort that will benefit from one another’s experiences while building meaningful connections that extend well beyond the program year.”
The program consists of nine full-day sessions held between January and October, each focused on a different aspect of community life, including economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, local government, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. Participants engage directly with community leaders, tour facilities, explore local assets, and discuss issues affecting Johnston County’s continued growth and success.
Leadership Johnston is particularly valuable for:
• Emerging leaders preparing for greater responsibilities within their organizations
• Mid-career professionals seeking to expand their community knowledge and influence
• Employers looking to invest in employee development and succession planning
• Individuals new to Johnston County who want to build meaningful relationships and community connections
The program culminates with a graduation ceremony recognizing participants’ commitment to leadership and community engagement.
More than 500 professionals have graduated from Leadership Johnston since its inception, creating a strong network of leaders who continue to collaborate across industries and communities.
Applications for the 2027 cohort are available now and will be accepted through September 30, 2026. Leadership Johnston utilizes a competitive selection process to build a diverse and engaged class representing a broad cross-section of industries, professions, and communities throughout Johnston County. Prospective participants are encouraged to submit thoughtful applications that clearly articulate their leadership experience, community involvement, and desire to grow as leaders. Space is limited, and submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
For additional information, including program requirements, tuition, and application materials, contact the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce at (919) 934-9166 or visit https://leadershipjohnston.com/.
About Leadership Johnston
Leadership Johnston is a countywide leadership development program presented through a partnership between the Johnston County Coalition of Chambers and Johnston Community College. The program is designed to identify, educate, and connect current and emerging leaders while fostering a deeper understanding of Johnston County’s assets, opportunities, and challenges.
Leadership Johnston
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Katie Crowder Program Director
- June 15, 2026
- (919) 616-6197
- Send Email
