Leadership Greater Madison

 I have a secret: I actually have one of THE COOLEST jobs in Madison!! Part of my role at Wood Communications Group is to lead Leadership Greater Madison cohorts through a transformative, immersive leadership development experience. Each year for the past 15+ years, in partnership with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, I eagerly await the opportunity to meet and connect with the new group of dedicated future and current leaders and travel with them through this exciting journey. Each year I nervously hope the experience sparks in the new group the kind of energy it has inspired for the more than 900 alumni before them. Well, I can proudly say the MAGIC is still happening! Last week, I had the great pleasure to kick off the 31st LGM class (I'm a proud alum of LGM12 - BTW!) and it was amazing - magical, even. This group of 34 individuals from all different backgrounds, sectors, and experiences came together as strangers and left their two-day retreat energized, connected, and ready to jump into their leadership journey together. I'm happy to introduce you to the LGM31 class AND to let you know I think the greater Madison area is in good hands with these folks ready to LEAD!! Please join me in welcoming... Jasmine B., Operation Fresh Start Joshua Berkson, Rule No 1 Hospitality Brandon Cloete, CFP®, Isthmus Partners, LLC Michael Coakley, Turke & Steil LLP Taryn Conaway, UW-Madison Continuing Studies Meghan Daly, Old National Bank Antonella Díaz, Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc. Brian Espinosa, Adapt Marketing Consulting, Latino Professional Assoc. Jared Flood, Alliant Energy Erik Greenfield, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Jillian Hackel, Madison Development Corp. Rachel Hanson, Girls Scouts of Wisconsin - Badgerland Alexander Herum, Summit Credit Union Katherine Higgins, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Lee Hunt, City of Madison Police Department Faatima Khan, WPS, A Health Solutions Company Jared Kempel, CPA, Baker Tilly US Del Lorenson, Frank Productions Dave Meinert, City of Madison Police Department Lauren Mittelstedt, UW-Madison, Wisconsin School of Business Jonathan Moody, MBA, Quartz Health Solutions Jillian Page, Madison Gas and Electric Sedrick Page, Black Men Coalition of Dane County Eric Plautz, Findorff Tom Q., Madison Public Schools Foundation Eric Schwartz, CFP®, Klaas Financial Asset Advisors Samantha Strache, Park Printing Solutions Jonathan Tlatoa Tlahuextl, Adapt Marketing Consulting, Latino Professional Assoc. Kelly VanZuiden, TruStage Angela Wallace, Logan's Heart and Smiles Rachel Whitmore, SupraNet Communications, Inc. Ashley Wilcox, UW-Madison, Wisconsin School of Business Kristin Verstegen, M3 Insurance

Last week marked the official kickoff of LGM's 31st annual cohort, with the participants gathering for the group's initial two-day retreat. LGM31 is a 34-person cohort representing businesses, nonprofits and government entities across a broad spectrum of industries. For the next nine months, the cohort will engage in monthly daylong sessions held at various locations to help participants gain insight and understanding of significant local organizations and community issues. In its 30-year history, LGM has helped prepare more than 800 graduates to become more effective community leaders and valued professionals. Thanks to Lead Sponsor Madison Gas and Electric and Program Sponsors Baker Tilly, Findorff, Frank Productions, M3 Insurance, Summit Credit Union, TruStage and WPS, A Health Solutions Company for supporting this year's cohort.

The 30th class of LGM celebrated their graduation last week. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon delivered congratulatory remarks during the ceremony at Majestic Live. This year's class consisted of 32 individuals representing a diverse group of businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Over the past three decades, LGM has helped prepare more than 800 graduates to become more effective community leaders and valued professionals. The deadline to apply for LGM 31 has been extended to Monday, July 8! Click here to submit your application: https://lnkd.in/gNchQsvY

Before you submit your application for LGM, get to know more about the program, its people and its purpose at tomorrow's happy hour social and information session! Join us Wednesday, June 26, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at M3 Insurance as we explore everything there is to know about this civic education, issue literacy and leadership training program. Register here for this free info session: https://lnkd.in/gGw8PhCk To apply for LGM31 by the July 1 deadline, click here: https://lnkd.in/gNchQsvY

LGM30 members recently gathered for their final full-day session, where they learned about several transformative local organizations and initiatives, connected with influential local leaders, and considered the next steps in their professional journeys. The day included presentations about community engagement, as well as the popular Lunch with a Leader program. Speakers, panelists and lunch guests represented organizations including the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, United Way of Dane County, Madison Community Foundation, City of Madison, WI Police Department, Wisconsin State Journal, Destination Madison, Verona Area School District, Forward Theater Company, Madison Gas and Electric, Stoughton Area School District, EQT By Design, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Park Bank - Madison, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. If you're interested in learning more about LGM, join us for a happy hour social and information session on June 26 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. (register here: https://lnkd.in/gGw8PhCk). Apply for LGM31 here: https://lnkd.in/gNchQsvY

Applications are now open for the 31st cohort of LGM! LGM provides civic education, community issue literacy and leadership training over a nine-month course. Participants engage in monthly daylong sessions to gain insight and understanding of significant local organizations and community issues. The program culminates in a series of capstone projects to address Greater Madison’s most pressing challenges. Complete your application here: https://lnkd.in/gNchQsvY If you want to know more about LGM before applying for this year's cohort, join us for: -- An informal coffee social and information session on June 5, OR -- A happy hour social and information session on June 26. Learn more and register for either session here: https://lnkd.in/gNaktV4J

Four LGM30 teams took the lead at the group's most recent session as they shared information about their various issues and project paths. LGM30 members from the Nonprofit, Media Literacy, Financial Literacy and Child Care teams worked with a variety of local experts to help explain and explore their project topics. Featured speakers included representatives from The Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies, Mission Forward, Center for Community Stewardship, University of Wisconsin-Extension, WKOW-ABC 27, The Daily Cardinal, EDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, Own It Building Black Wealth, UW Credit Union, Black Men Coalition of Dane County, conNEXTions Madison, WayForward Resources, City of Madison, WI, and the Wisconsin State Legislature. The Skilled Trades team will take the lead for part of the next session, followed by the full class getting set to graduate in June. If you or someone on your team is interested in applying for the next LGM cohort, please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/eZzCbrWA Thanks to Lead Sponsor Madison Gas and Electric and Program Sponsors Alliant Energy Corp., Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, OPN Architects, Overture Center for the Arts and Summit Credit Union.

At their most recent session, LGM30 participants learned about protecting Madison’s lake system and the city’s sustainability initiatives. They also dove into Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)'s commitment to renewable energy and equitable energy access, affordability and sustainability. As part of the day, participants witnessed a pole rescue training exercise at the MGE Training Center and visited the O’Brien Solar Fields to learn about this renewable energy partnership. In addition to MGE, speakers were on hand representing the Clean Lakes Alliance and City of Madison, WI. If you or someone on your team is interested in applying for the next LGM cohort, please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/eZzCbrWA Thanks to Lead Sponsor MGE and Program Sponsors Alliant Energy Corp., Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, OPN Architects, Overture Center for the Arts and Summit Credit Union.

At their most recent session, LGM30 participants assumed new identities as they explored the journey from early childhood education to entering the workforce. These "avatar" identities prompted the cohort to experience their educational challenges and opportunities through a unique lens and helped them better understand their own personal journeys. Helping the class navigate that journey were speakers from Education First Consulting, Madison Area Technical College, One City Schools and Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA). The class also got a firsthand look at IT and healthcare facilities and programs at Madison College and joined one of three enrichment tours at Red Caboose Child Care Center, Operation Fresh Start or RISE Wisconsin, Inc. If you or someone on your team is interested in applying for the next LGM cohort, please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/eZzCbrWA Thanks to Lead Sponsor Madison Gas and Electric and Program Sponsors Alliant Energy Corp., Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, OPN Architects, Overture Center for the Arts and Summit Credit Union.

Workforce and economic development were the focus when LGM30 participants gathered for their latest session at the Boys & Girls Club’s McKenzie Regional Workforce Center.   The class got a hands-on look at this unique facility, including testing out the driving simulator for kids interested in working toward a Commercial Driver License. They also learned about innovations and collaborations in workforce development and the importance and challenges of economic development. Featured speakers represented organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc. and Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP). If you or someone on your team is interested in applying for the next LGM cohort, please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/eZzCbrWA Thanks to Lead Sponsor Madison Gas and Electric and Program Sponsors Alliant Energy Corp., Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, OPN Architects, Overture Center for the Arts and Summit Credit Union.