Leadership Duluth is a comprehensive 10-month leadership development program by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce that aims to unite, engage, and empower leaders to foster change within their workplace and community.
Throughout the program, participants examine core leadership competencies, learn about Duluth’s cultural and business history, and discuss current issues facing the region. As a result, participants grow to understand the elements of a strong community and how their leadership can create opportunities within a business and cultivate a robust economy.
More than 1,500 area professionals have completed the Leadership Duluth program since its first graduating class in 1988.
“The day we visited Life House and Chum was especially impactful for me. These are real challenges in our community, and we see the people who are doing the work to address these challenges. Because of my Leadership Duluth experience, there are organizations we’ve learned about where I would like to go back and volunteer.”
Amber Burns, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation“The best thing about Leadership Duluth has been the fantastic people in our cohort. Everyone is welcoming, and every interaction is positive. I live in St. Cloud but work in Duluth, so Leadership Duluth has been an important part of my introduction to the city, the people, and getting involved in the community.”
Eric Reisinger, Bell Bank“As a lifelong Duluthian, I’ve been surprised by how much more there is to learn about the Duluth area. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised that our cohort includes people at all stages of their careers – from young professionals to seasoned leaders. I appreciate the different perspectives that all the participants bring to our Leadership Duluth experience and to the workforce.”
Tiffany Hughes, A&L Properties“I oversee Proctor schools’ career-connected learning and help students find their pathways. Leadership Duluth has been a great opportunity to learn about the Duluth area and to make connections in the community that can benefit my students. If a student tells me they’re interested in a specific field, I can say, ‘I know someone you should talk to.'”
Nic Hanson, Proctor Public Schools“I grew up in Duluth, so I wanted to learn more about the city, its history, where we want to go as a city, and how we can get there. It’s also been a great way for STARBASE, which is a newer program, and their new instructors to get out in the community and make connections.”
Rebecca Grumdahl, STARBASE Minnesota - Duluth“I moved to Duluth from Iowa without knowing anyone. As a business leader, having connections in the community is important to me. Leadership Duluth is helping me make amazing connections with a really diverse group of people.”
Gabe Walsh, Lake Superior Area Realtors Association“Each month when Leadership Duluth goes behind-the-scenes at businesses and organizations, I wish everyone could see what we’re seeing and understand the level of need in our community. It’s those kinds of experiences in Leadership Duluth that inspired my group’s service project and fundraiser for Life House called LUMINATE.”
Kelly Schamberger, Marshall SchoolThe application window for Leadership Duluth 2026-2027 closed on May 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in early July 2026.
Applications for the Leadership Duluth 2027-2028 cohort will open May 1, 2027. If you are interested in being notified for this application window, please email Kathleen Privette.
The next Leadership Duluth program year extends September 2026 through June 2027.
Orientation – September 2026
Sessions – One full day each month, September to June
Graduation – June 2027
Tuition for the program is $2,000 employees of Duluth Area Chamber member businesses, $2,500 non-members. Tuition is due after participants have been selected into the program.
Program Structure
Leadership Duluth is a 10-month program composed of a series of tactical and educational courses that bring together local voices from various economic sectors to examine the leadership competencies necessary to drive business forward in the Duluth market.
Orientation: September 2026
Sessions: One full day of learning each month from September to June.
Graduation: June 2027
Session Overview
Each session will incorporate the following elements:
Presentations from local leaders of various sectors, candid group conversation, and an examination of applied leadership competencies:
- Situational Ethics
- Cultural Awareness
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Leadership Styles
- Relationship Building
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Management
- Courageous Conversations
Objectives
Graduates of Leadership Duluth exercise new critical thinking skills that bring heightened value to their workplace.
Graduates of Leadership Duluth become active community citizens that influence change.
Graduates of Leadership Duluth build meaningful connections with fellow class members, regional stakeholders, and local organizations.
Community Partners
Leadership Duluth would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for their contributions to the program. This program would not be possible without your generosity and continued support:
