Three Decades of Leadership West
The ChamberWest Leadership Institute was established in 1996 by Walter Clyde under its original name, Leadership West. That first graduating class included community members such as Bob Harmon and Judy Weeks Rhoner, whose participation helped set the program on the path it continues to follow three decades later — now in its 30th cohort.
We are very proud of this year's graduates and are continually impressed with the leaders we have the privilege of working with in this program. Each cohort brings its own energy and perspective, and this one was no exception — 32 leaders who pushed themselves, supported one another, and are already putting what they learned to work in their organizations and their community.
A Program Built to Challenge and Elevate
The ChamberWest Leadership Institute (LI) is designed to challenge, engage, and elevate leaders. It fosters both professional and personal growth while cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset focused on strengthening our community. Member companies across West Jordan, West Valley, Taylorsville, Magna, and Kearns submit applicants each year, so every class brings together leaders from all along the west side — and beyond.
The program kicks off each year with a 1.5-day overnight retreat at the Hyatt Place Park City, where the incoming cohort builds the relationships that carry them through the months ahead. From there, participants move through nine full-day leadership sessions over the course of roughly ten months, each one built around a different facet of leadership, along with attendance at two ChamberWest luncheons.
Along the way, the program includes continental breakfast and lunch at every session, three curated leadership books, professional headshot services, and — according to graduates — something harder to put a price on: a built-in peer network of leaders they can rely on long after graduation.
Graduation isn't automatic. Admission is competitive and limited to 32 participants, and those accepted must commit to full participation, with a minimum of 80% attendance required to graduate.
At graduation, each participant invites their boss or mentor to attend — that person accompanies the graduate as they receive their certificate of completion, a tradition that reflects how much of the Institute's impact is felt beyond the individual leader.
Getting In Is Half the Journey
Only two participants can be sent from any single ChamberWest member company, which makes the application process itself a meaningful exercise in leadership. Some companies run their own internal process, inviting employees to apply and letting internal leadership choose the two who will represent the organization. Others submit all of their applicants directly to the Leadership Institute's Board of Trustees, who review and select participants from the full applicant pool.
That Board of Trustees is made up entirely of ChamberWest members who have completed the program themselves — leaders who once sat in the same sessions, wrestled with the same discomfort, and built the same peer networks, and who now steward the program for the next class. The current Board of Trustees includes:
- Clyde Marshall, Perspicacity
- Dominic Burchett, Unified Fire Authority
- Heather Farmer, Quality First Home Care Products
- Jason Helm, Granger-Hunter Improvement District
- Jody Kershaw, Novva Data Centers
- Ryan Nelson, Avalon Health Care Management
- Kriss Davis, Deseret First Credit Union
- Marcus Cardova, Summit Vista
- Trish Hull, Utah Drowning Prevention Coalition
This Fall's Class
This fall we will welcome another 32 leaders into the program — the 30th cohort to begin the Leadership Institute. The class is now full, and all selected applicants received their welcome email this past week. This program has, and will continue to, provide leadership training that develops west side business leaders.
Hear from Our Graduates
"This course was such a great learning experience. It has helped me develop skills as a leader that I didn't know were necessary. It has also boosted my self-esteem and confidence. I learned it is okay to be vulnerable. I learned to put myself in scary situations to allow me to grow."
"Overall, I found this series to be very beneficial. I enjoyed the format. It was nice to come once a month and meet together. It gave me a chance to internalize the leadership principles I was learning and provide an opportunity to put them into practice. This series has taught me to become a more thoughtful, decisive, and intentional leader. Thank you for this growth opportunity."
"This course was really worth the time. There are times when it is hard to show up, hard to listen, or hard to participate. Those feelings are the exact reason you must go. These are feelings telling you that you are growing, because growing is uncomfortable."
"The ChamberWest Leadership Institute was a terrific experience. The variety of topics, speakers, venues, and assigned reading materials made for a very well-rounded experience. At the start of the program, I had lived in the valley for less than a year, so it was also a great networking opportunity. I would highly suggest the program to both existing and future leaders."
"This program offered numerous perspectives on leadership + gave me some perspectives that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The topics were diverse and I'm excited to carry out what I've learned into all aspects of my life going forward."
"ChamberWest Leadership Institute provided a great opportunity to focus on improving my leadership style. The peer group was incredible. I am absolutely thankful for the opportunity to learn with amazing people."
"Five Star Rating! I would recommend this course to anyone. I learned the confidence I've needed to succeed in my role. All the thanks in the world!"
“This program has increased my confidence and leadership skills, but most importantly, my gratitude. We are surrounded by so many in need and so many ways to get involved in the community. It ended my ignorance for different systems and people that work in the background to make society function. I loved everything about this program, I wish it would never end! I cannot wait to use what I've learned for the rest of my life."
"Over the course of the lessons, I found that I became less and less nervous to attend. The lessons are so fine tuned to help you through any issue/hurdle you may overcome. I would not change anything... well, maybe make it a full yar instead of 10 months! Thank you for everything."
"5 Stars! Of all the self-help, leadership, and/or business type training courses; this is by far better than the rest. The books, training, and opportunity to meet amazing classmates and presenters set the stage for tremendous experiences."
"ChamberWest & the Leadership Institute program will challenge you in ways you never knew were possible. If you have a chance to take this course, do it! This course was more than learning for me. It moved me to grow personally, emotionally, and professionally. I will never forget the lessons and things I have learned, and I will carry them with me forever. Thank you for all of your perspectives, time, and leadership."
"I honestly enjoyed everything about this program. I was able to experience so many different things IÂ wouldn't have without this program. Thank you for giving me the confidence I needed."
"First of all, thank you so much for making this program such an amazing experience. This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am learning this program feeling more confident and motivated. I am going to push my colleagues to take this course. I truly believe it's worth everything!"
"The ChamberWest Leadership Institute was a great experience that broadened my perspective on Leadership beyond my organization. The biggest value came from building relationships with leaders from different industries, learning how they approach challenges, and gaining a better understanding of the communities they serve."
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Ready to Invest in Your Leadership?
The Leadership Institute is offered exclusively to ChamberWest members, and space is limited to 32 participants per class. Interested candidates must complete an application prior to registration and payment.