THE PREMIERE PROGRAM FOR BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERSLeadership Boise (LB) has, and continues to seek, the most energetic and engaged leaders in the Treasure Valley. As one of the longest running Chamber sponsored leadership programs in the United States, Leadership Boise has graduated more than 1,700 rising and establish leaders since its inception in 1975.
Participants who are accepted to the program on an annual basis attend monthly, day-long sessions about relevant and pressing topics that affect and impact living and working in Boise. Our leaders extensively examine the past, present, and future of the Boise Metro area. Through the intentional curriculum and sessions, our leaders benefit from hearing a variety of perspectives and developing a foundation to expand their leadership in the community. WHAT ARE THE OTHER LEADERSHIP BOISE PROGRAMS?THE LEADERSHIP BOISE EXPERIENCELEADERSHIP BOISE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / FAQSWhat is the purpose of Leadership Boise?
The purpose of Leadership Boise is to identify these new and potential leaders and offer a comprehensive program that will:
Are scholarships available for Leadership Boise?
Limited partial scholarships are available for non-profits and micro-businesses with application acceptance. Are there any fees beyond Leadership Boise tuition?
All costs for the Opening Retreat (inc. transportation) and session breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and social are included in the tuition. Do companies pay for Leadership Boise tuition?
Companies often pay for the LB participant’s tuition, however, many participants pay for themselves (or share the cost with their employer). You need not be a Chamber member to apply, however, if accepted, the applicant has one week to join the Chamber before another applicant will be offered the position in the class. How do I apply to Leadership Boise?
Applications open in March. Consider attending our LB Experience Workshop held each February to hear from a panel of LB alums. Interviews are conducted April-May. Accepted candidates are notified in June. What are the graduation and program requirements for Leadership Boise?
What are the other Leadership Boise programs?
In addition to Leadership Boise, the Chamber also offers Leadership Boise Alumni (for graduates of the LB program) and Leadership Boise Academy (for Juniors in High School starting the Leadership Boise track). |
LEADERSHIP BOISE ANNOUNCEMENTSLEADERSHIP BOISE PROGRAM SPONSOR
LB & LBA 2025-26 COFFEE SPONSOR
LB EVENTSUpcoming Events |
LEADERSHIP BOISE TESTIMONIALS
|
A wise leader once told me that we should always strive to find different areas in our lives where we can serve as leaders, dependable peers, and engaged followers/students at the same time. Typically, that means leading at work, volunteering on the side, and seeking out self-development opportunities that we can fit into our busy schedules. Something that I have come to realize along this journey is that part of the magic of Leadership Boise is that you have the opportunity to perform all three of these roles in one place where you feel valued, challenged, and safe. – Scott Greco, Idaho State Board of Education |
Leadership Boise gave me the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make an impact on my community. Thanks to Leadership Boise I’m a more well-rounded professional. The program challenges you to adapt and work collaboratively in teams with the betterment of Boise in mind. Leadership Boise is one of the many reasons Boise is such a great place to live, as it fosters community members who have a profound appreciation and pride in Boise. –Kyle Bellnap, Northwest Bank |
As a Leadership Boise alumnus, I can reflect and say that my career took a different (and positive) trajectory after my involvement in the Program. I was at a point in my professional journey where I needed an infusion of other perspectives and Leadership Boise provided that; I gained life-long friendships and skills that rounded me out as a leader – ones that I still use today. I owe part of my business success to the opportunities I received from the LB program. – Max Fuxan, Charlie’s Produce – Boise Division , LB Class of 2017 |
Leadership Boise is a wonderfully interactive leadership program that promotes community awareness. The program has provided opportunities to connect and collaborate with leaders from many professions and nonprofit organizations. I am grateful for new friendships, a heightened awareness of our amazing community, and lessons learned on how to be a contributing member. – Suzy Cavanagh, Tetra Tech
LEADERSHIP BOISE CLASS CALENDARS
Please note both the leadership and civic themes for each session.
2025-26 ALL DAY SESSIONSOpening Retreat August 22 -23, 2025
(Optional) LB Golf Scramble September 15, 2025 Quality of Life September 17, 2025 Infrastructure & Environment October 15, 2025 Media November 19, 2025 Education December 17, 2025 Innovation & Technology January 21, 2026 Business February 18, 2026 Legal/Government March 25, 2026 Healthcare April 15, 2026 Grand Finale May 13, 2026 |
2026-2027 PLANNING MEETINGS (8 - 10 am @ Boise Metro Chamber)June 4, 2026
July 9, 2026 August 6, 2026 September 3, 2026 October 1, 2026 November 5, 2026 December 3, 2026 January 7, 2027 February 4, 2027 March 4, 2027 April 1, 2027 GRADUATION // May 2027 |
LEADERSHIP BOISE CLASS OF 2026-28 - SESSION AND PLANNING DATES
Application Process Dates for 2027-29
2026-27 ALL DAY SESSIONSOpening Retreat (mandatory) August 21-22, 2026
LB Golf Scramble (optional) September 14, 2026 Quality of Life September 16, 2026 Legal/Government October 21, 2026 Education November 18, 2026 Healthcare December 16, 2026 Media January 20, 2027 Business February 17, 2027 Innovation & Technology March 24, 2027 Infrastructure & Environment April 21, 2027 Grand Finale May 12, 2027 |
2027-2028 PLANNING MEETINGS
|
LEADERSHIP BOISE CLASS OF 2027-29 - APPLICATION PROCESS DATES
Applications Open March 2027
LB Experience Workshop Spring 2027
Applications Close April 2027
In-Person Interviews* April - May 2027
Acceptance Notifications Mid - June 2027
Active Chamber Membership Due June 30, 2027
Tuition Due July 30, 2027
*Conducted by trained pairs of LB Alumni, scored by Chamber
LB Experience Workshop Spring 2027
Applications Close April 2027
In-Person Interviews* April - May 2027
Acceptance Notifications Mid - June 2027
Active Chamber Membership Due June 30, 2027
Tuition Due July 30, 2027
*Conducted by trained pairs of LB Alumni, scored by Chamber
MEET THE 2026-27 LEADERSHIP BOISE OFFICERS
The Leadership Team oversees the vision and mission of Leadership Boise and Leadership Boise Academy. They determine the year's theme, set goals, and consult with session planning teams.
LB PROJECT ARCHIVES
LEADERSHIP BOISE SERVICE PROJECT ARCHIVES
Each year, the first-year Leadership Boise class organizes and executes a service project for a local cause in the Treasure Valley. Leadership Boise Academy (LBA) students are invited to join in on the project as yet another opportunity to connect, serve, and lead in our community.
2021 Service Project
|
On Saturday April 24, members of the Leadership Boise Class of 2022 and the Leadership Boise Academy Class of 2021 participated in a service project for Birds of Prey. Approximately 60 Leadership Boise participated in restoring parcels of the land, improving habitat for a myriad of wildlife and planting native plants and controlling exotic weeds.
“The World Center for Birds of Prey is an international raptor conversation organization and is situated in South Boise hosting over 580 acres. A large portion of the site is dedicated to the breeding and raising of the endangered California Condor’s as part of the specie’s recovery effort,” said Heather Luther of Ada County, chair of the planning committee. “The Center hosts the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center (WMIC) that provides opportunities for guests from around the globe to learn about birds of prey and conservation efforts of The Peregrine Fund while meeting many species up close and personal.” The LB and LBA class fought through the weather on Saturday for the service project, and were able to get several large tasks completed for The Center. The administration building entrance has long been an area of nearly zero vegetation, creating an uninviting and welcoming environment for visitors. With the help of the volunteers, a garden was planted as well as a paved walking path to the entrance. The Center also has a walking path near their amphitheater that also needed to have a water trench created to divert water from flowing down the walking path for visitors. Volunteers were able to complete this task as well as other spring clean up that was needed on the grounds. The LB and LBA class raised funds for the World Center for Birds of Prey to cover the costs of the plants and materials that were needed for the project. The project was sponsored by Unleashing Leaders, Holland Hart, and Hawley Troxell. Contributions were also made from Inn at 500, Café D’Arte, Idaho Departments of Environmental Quality, Kuna Firefighters Local 4165, Albertsons and several individual contributors. |
2023 Service Project
|
On Saturday, April 22nd, teams made up of LB Class 2024 and LBA 2023 participants could be found fanning out along Shoreline Drive to pick up trash in celebration of Earth Day. Some teams ran or jogged, some walked, while others meandered, but all did their part to help clean up the community. An aspect of leadership (and the Leadership Boise Program) is quite literally taking the lead and setting an example of what it means to contribute. Prizes, in the form of “bragging rights” were awarded for: Most Unique Item (found) Most Valuable Item, Most “Boise” Item, Best Tasting or Highest ABV (empty) Beer Can, and Biggest Stash of Trash.
|
“Celebrating Earth Day by cleaning up along the Greenbelt was a wonderful way to spend casual, active time with my team. We brought spouses, kids and pets to demonstrate our commitment to keeping our community clean while amplifying what it means to be Boise Nice.” – Idaho Power Brand Engagement Lead Melissa Thom (LB Class of 2024)
To further contribute to the Boise community, LB and LBA members celebrated a job well done by cooling down and patronizing the Food Trucks at the Boise Farmer’s Market.
For more information or to enter your nonprofit (Chamber member) organization for consideration for the 2024 Service Day Project, please email: [email protected]
To further contribute to the Boise community, LB and LBA members celebrated a job well done by cooling down and patronizing the Food Trucks at the Boise Farmer’s Market.
For more information or to enter your nonprofit (Chamber member) organization for consideration for the 2024 Service Day Project, please email: [email protected]
2024 Service Project
|
On April 27, 2024, LBA & LB members joined Boise Nice Project, INC. during their annual Boise Plog event (a combination of jogging and picking up litter). In step with taking care of our environment, they focused on cleaning up and beautifying high traffic areas along the Boise River and Greenbelt. Thank you to our LB & LBA members that participated and to Boise Nice Project, INC. for facilitating our supplies!
|
2025 Service Project
|
On April 5, members of the LB (2026) & LBA 2025 came together for the Chamber's Leadership Boise program's annual Volunteer Day. Participants rallied to support the Idaho Foodbank. Two volunteer shifts sorted and packed 12,160 pounds of food that will be distributed to many families in need throughout our community. Great job Leadership Boise & Academy Volunteers!
|
2026 Service Project
|
The LB & LBA Annual Volunteer Day took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in partnership with Chamber member Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Participants from both classes came together to build beds for children in need, combining their efforts to make a meaningful impact. At the warehouse, participants assembled 36 headboards that will be given to families with children who may currently be sleeping on the floor. It was a rewarding morning for all participants-- filled with hands-on learning, teamwork, and the shared (LB) resolution to give back to our community.
|
LEADERSHIP BOISE NON PROFIT FAMILY PROJECT ARCHIVES
|
One of the most meaningful experiences in Leadership Boise is the Nonprofit Project which teams (called Families) work on together throughout their first year in the program.
Families choose from Boise Metro Chamber nonprofit members and meet with the organization to identify a need, develop a project plan, and contribute their time, talents, and resources to create a meaningful and lasting impact. The Nonprofit Project is more than a volunteer experience—it is a hands-on leadership opportunity that challenges participants to collaborate, think strategically, manage timelines, and deliver real results. For our nonprofit partners, it provides dedicated volunteers, fresh ideas, and meaningful support for important initiatives that advance their mission. The experience culminates at the Leadership Boise Grand Finale Session in May, when families present their Nonprofit Projects to the whole class. In 2026, presentations were presented in the form of light-hearted videos (made by each team) which highlighted the partnerships formed, challenges overcome, and the tangible impact they made for local organizations and the broader community. We are incredibly proud of the collaboration, creativity, and commitment demonstrated through these projects, and of the lasting difference Leadership Boise participants make for our nonprofit members and the Treasure Valley. |
2026 Nonprofit Project Highlights
|
|
KARYN STUART
Director of Leadership Programs |
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LEADERSHIP BOISE?Karyn Stuart oversees our five leadership development programs (LB Academy, LB, LB Alumni, BYP, LB Academy Ambassadors) supports the annual volunteer leadership, and helps to ensure the Boise Metro Chamber’s mission is met.
Email Karyn Stuart to be added to the interest list, or to learn more about Leadership Boise. |
