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As the longest running leadership program of its kind in Ohio, The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy empowers emerging leaders with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to collaborate with public officials, make a meaningful impact in their communities, and confidently prepare to run for elected office.
Register now and celebrate the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy's 25th year with us!
Day 1 (April 17): Sessions will focus on leadership fundamentals applicable across public and private industries, including collaboration, communication, and working with local governments.
Day 2 (April 24): Sessions will focus on all new sessions tailored for emerging leaders who are interested in running for elected office, including campign strategies, fundraising and community engagment. We know that it can be very difficult to know where to start when getting involved in local government - These trainings will give you the foundation necessary to run a smart, successful campaign.
Register for the experience that best fits your goals - Day 1, Day 2 or both sessions. Whether you're strengthening your leadership skills or preparing to run for office, the Institute offers the tools to help you lead with impact.
“Participating in the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy was such a valuable experience. The sessions gave me a much clearer understanding of how local and state government operate - something I’ve never had broken down in that way to me before. It really helped me see how decisions are made and why it’s so important for business and community leaders to have a seat at the table. I also appreciated that it was held in a smaller, more personal setting, which made it easier to connect and have meaningful one-on-one conversations with the speakers. I walked away with not only a stronger foundation of confidence and engagement when advocating for our community and the businesses I work with, but also a better grasp on my own behavior and leadership style. Thank you TRCC!” - Jessica Grzechowiak, Business Outreach Manager, Community Improvement Corporation of Ottawa County, 2025 Institute Graduate
Day 1 Sessions:
Leadership Styles
- Nicki McLeod, President, In2Great
Public Service & Hosting Public Meetings
- Joe Lucente, Associate Professor and Interim Assistant Director, Comunity Development, O.S.U. Extensikon/Sea Grant College Program
The Policy Process
- Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Roles in Local Government
- Megan Robson, Chief of Operations, City of Toledo
- Marcus Hansen, Councilman, Sylvania City Council
- More speakers to be announced soon
Ethics in Public Service
- Mark Wagoner, Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Government Finance
- George Sarantou, Coinculman At-Large, Toledo City Council
Economic & Regional Development
- Dean Monske, President & CEO, Regional Growth Partnership
- Doug Born, Director of Business Development, Nooter Toledo
- Joe Cappel, Vice President of Business Development, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
- Rex Huffman, Managing Partner, Spitler Huffman, LLP and Wood County Port Authority
Day 2 Sessions:
Candidate Filing & Campaign Finance
- Terry Burton, Director, Wood County Board of Elections
- Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Fundraising 101
- Terry Burton, Director, Wood County Board of Elections
- Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Campaigning 101
- Lisa Sobecki, County Commissioner, Lucas County
- Mike Pniewski, Lucas County Engineer
- Dave Dmytryka, President, Dmytryka Jacobs Engineers Inc.
Navigating Media & Gaining Public Trust
- Sarah Elms, Communications Director, Board of Lucas County Commissioners
W.T.F. (What’s the Future?)
- Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
- Wendy Gramza, President & CEO, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
- More speakers to be announced soon
Legislative Panel
- Representative Haraz Ghanbari, Ohio House of Representatives, District 75
- More speakers to be announced soon
“Participating in the Toledo Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Leadership & Advocacy was truly an amazing experience for me. While I do not personally have any political aspirations, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of how local and state governments work. The Institute also allowed me to look at the idea of leadership from an entirely new perspective. Discussions on leadership styles and how to lead in an environment with various personalities was not only insightful, but something I believe will be a catalyst for growth for anyone in a leadership position. The program opened my eyes to the importance of advocacy and leadership at every level, and it connected me with an inspiring group of people who genuinely care about Toledo’s growth and success. I left each session feeling more informed, empowered, and motivated to act. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a chance to grow.” - Brandon Hillebrand, Project Manager, TTL Engineering Services, LLC 2025 Institute Graduate
Any questions? Contact Gabrielle Huff at 567-420-1225 or gabrielle.huff@toledochamber.com
For more information, visit the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy Website
2026 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy | Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor | $2,000
- Two (2) registered participants for the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy and Graduate Series sessions
- Naming Rights for Event - Name appears in all marketing materials and on the Chamber’s website
- Social media promotion before, during and after the event on all TRCC platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn & weekly newsletters
Gold Sponsor | $1,000
- Two (2) registered participants for the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy and Graduate Series sessions
- Logo appears in all marketing materials and on the Chamber’s website
- Social media promotion before, during and after the event on all TRCC platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn & weekly newsletters
Silver Sponsor | $500
- One (1) registered participant for the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy and Graduate Series sessions
- Logo appears in all marketing materials and on the Chamber’s website
- Social media promotion before, during and after the event on all TRCC platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn & weekly newsletters
Bronze Sponsor | $250
- Company name appears in all marketing materials and on the Chamber’s website
- Social media promotion before, during and after the event on all TRCC platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn & weekly newsletters
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