Invest in Your People. Help Shape Louisa’s Future.
Leadership Louisa 2027 applications close October 28; businesses invited to sponsor the program and support employee participation.
LOUISA, Va. — The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation have opened applications for the Leadership Louisa Class of 2027. Since the launch of Leadership Louisa in 2022, eighty (80) local professionals have graduated, strengthening Louisa County’s business, nonprofit, and civic communities.
Designed for individuals who live or work in Louisa County, participants experience personal leadership growth through:
● Understanding of Behavioral and Communication Preferences – Every participant completes an Insights Discovery® profile and guided workshops that strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
● Immersive Learning Days – Monthly sessions feature tours, guest speakers, and interactive activities that highlight Louisa’s economic, civic, and cultural landscape.
● Community Impact – Each class partners with a nonprofit for a Community Action Project (CAP), applying leadership lessons to real-world challenges and sparking innovative solutions.
● Lifelong Connections – Graduates join a growing alumni network shaping Louisa’s future across business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Cindy King of Louisa County Government, President of the Class of 2026, will serve as Program Chair for 2027 alongside a volunteer committee of fellow alumni from her class. The team brings firsthand experience to planning a program that helps participants build strong relationships, grow as leaders and put their learning into action.
“Leadership Louisa isn’t just about building individual skills, it’s about creating a ripple effect across our entire county. Each class comes together with curiosity, passion, and purpose, and the results are powerful for both the participants and the community they serve,” said Cindy King, Leadership Louisa 2027 Program Chair.
The alumni committee includes:
- Jeffrey Bowles, Walmart Distribution Center #7016
- Crystal Hill, Lloyd's Real Estate, LLC.
- Keli Hughes, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
- Melissa Oyler, Louisa County Public Schools
- Crystal Robinson, MANN & HUMMEL
Leadership Louisa is made possible thanks to the support of dedicated community sponsors, including:
- Founding Sponsor: Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC)
- Platinum Sponsors: EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure
- Featured Sponsors: Clark Technologies and Shenandoah Crossing Resort
“Leadership Louisa gives businesses a meaningful way to invest in their employees and our community. Whether sponsoring the program or supporting an employee’s participation, businesses help develop leaders who bring stronger connections, fresh ideas and practical skills back to the workplace. We encourage businesses to be part of the Class of 2027,” said Tracy Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities to support emerging community leaders through this program are still available and include but are not limited to providing lunch and contributing resources. Interested companies should contact Tracy Clark, [email protected]
The program is open to anyone who lives or works in Louisa County; Chamber membership is not required. The deadline to apply as a class participant is October 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. For complete details and the online application, visit LouisaForward.org and click Leadership Louisa.
About the Louisa Forward Foundation
The Louisa Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support the economic, educational, and community development programs of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation expands the Chamber’s reach by aligning philanthropic investments, grant opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that foster leadership, enhance nonprofit capacity, support education, and strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of Louisa County helping ensure inclusive growth and long-term community resilience. Learn more at www.LouisaForward.org.
About the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce
Established more than 95 years ago, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen and enhance the local business environment, represent the interests of its members, and foster balanced growth throughout the region. Through leadership development, advocacy, workforce initiatives, strategic partnerships, and community collaboration, the Chamber serves as a driving force for economic vitality and quality of life in Louisa County. For more information, visit LouisaChamber.org.