LEAD Higher
About the Program
LEAD Higher is a comprehensive, 12-month, advanced leadership program designed to cultivate and enhance leadership skills among emerging leaders in the community.
Applications are open for the 2026 cohort, which will begin in January 2026 and be limited to 25 participants.
The program, developed through a strategic partnership between the Virginia Peninsula Chamber and Christopher Newport University (CNU), will feature one program day per month dedicated to a specific leadership principle. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights, featuring instruction from esteemed CNU professors and engaging conversations with recognized leaders from the Commonwealth’s business community.
LEAD Higher builds on the foundation laid by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s LEAD Peninsula program, although participation in LEAD Peninsula is not a strict prerequisite for this new program. Ideal participants include emerging leaders from the Virginia Peninsula business community, government agencies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.
"This leadership development program illustrates how building the leaders of tomorrow requires academic institutions, business organizations and experienced professionals to come together today to help lead the way," said Dr. Bob Colvin, CNU's Senior Counselor to the President. “CNU is eager to provide educational opportunities to a range of learners and we look forward to welcoming and engaging with the program's first cohort.”
Upon successful completion of the program, each graduate will receive a micro-certification, symbolizing their commitment to leadership excellence and continuous professional development.
“Our goal is to equip participants with the tools they need to drive positive change within their organizations and the broader community,” said Chamber President/CEO Bob McKenna. “Partnering with Christopher Newport University to offer this unique and innovative opportunity for emerging leaders really sets this program apart.”
For more information on the LEAD Higher program, or for questions on the application process, contact Jaime Parrish at jaime@vpcc.org.
Class of 2026 Program Dates
Sessions will be held from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM; with the exception of the Retreat and Commencement Ceremony.
| Tuesday January 6, 2026 Fundamentals of Leadership |
Tuesday July 7, 2026 Followership |
| Tuesday February 3, 2026 Interpersonal Communication |
Tuesday August 4, 2026 Change Management and Adaptive Leadership |
| Tuesday March 3, 2026 Organizational Communication and Group Dynamics |
Tuesday September 1, 2026 Crisis Management |
| Tuesday April 7, 2026 Fundamentals of Systems |
Tuesday October 6, 2026 Effective Networking and Engaging Across Cultures |
| Tuesday May 5, 2026 Leading Across the Divide |
Tuesday November 3, 2026 Leadership Dynamics |
| Tuesday June 2, 2026 Strategic Planning and Building Your Team |
Tuesday December 1, 2026 Commencement Ceremony |
About Our Partner, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber (VPC) serves the cities of Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson; and James City County and York County. VPC is a business association, with over 1,000 members and associates.
The VPC takes a leadership and advocacy position on pro-Peninsula and pro-business public policy positions and issues impacting the Virginia Peninsula business community. The VPC hosts a series of educational, and leadership programs, including the annual State of the City Series; LEAD Peninsula; the IMPACT Peninsula Leadership Forum; Spotlight on the Peninsula; Pink Bag Lunches; and Business Connections, in addition to numerous business roundtables.
The VPC is located at 11850 Merchant’s Walk in Newport News. For more information, call 757-262-2000 or email info@vpcc.org. Connect to the VPC online at www.virginiapeninsulachamber.com.