• March 3, 2025 - Applications available Click here to download the application
• May 2, 2025 - Application submission deadline (5 pm)
• May 5 - 9, 2025 - Interviews
• May 19 - 23, 2025 - Notifications of acceptance
• June 30, 2025 - Tuition payment due
• July 7, 2025 - Wait-list notification(s) if needed
• July 15, 2025 - Class Meet & Greet (Evening) Reception
• August 12, 2025 - Orientation (Program starts)

Started by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce in 1980, Leadership Fayette strives to empower and encourage a diverse group of existing and emerging leaders that are prepared and committed to serving Fayette County. The program provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their civic knowledge of Fayette County, hone their leadership skills, and network with leaders across the community.  Leadership Fayette provides a hands-on educational experience with emphasis on economic development and community awareness, focusing on the interdependencies between sectors of the local economy, as well as the interrelationships of a variety of local issues. Participants will receive a better understanding of how our community works, will build relationships with the region’s leaders, and will be inspired to apply their talents to serve the community.

Students can expect classroom as well as community visits throughout the program. Additionally, Leadership Fayette includes facilitation of leadership development topics and exercises on most class days.

The purpose of Leadership Fayette is provide participants with experiences that enhance their knowledge of the community and provide opportunities to grow as citizens and leaders.

Leadership Fayette prepares the leaders of tomorrow.  In this eight-month program, participants will gain:

• An in-depth view of critical issues facing our community
• Personal leadership skills awareness and development
• Access to opportunities for community involvement
• Opportunities to discuss key issues with community leaders
• New and strengthened relationships with peers

The nine-month program includes a mandatory two-day orientation retreat, eight (8) full-day sessions, and a Graduation Dinner. In addition, each candidate is required to participate in the class project(s) as well as various community events and volunteer opportunities. Sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of the month from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except for orientation retreat in August and the Graduation Dinner)

Local, regional and state leaders will share their knowledge and perspectives through presentations, interactive sessions, role plays, panel discussions and hands-on activities.  Class formats will demonstrate real situations, challenges and opportunities in Fayette County, and participants will gain first-hand experience through behind-the-scenes tours of various public and private facilities.

• July 15, 2025 - Class Meet & Greet (Evening) Reception
• August 12, 2025 - Orientation (Program starts)
• September 9, 2025 - Economic Development
• October 14, 2025 - Housing & Sustainability
• November 11, 2025 - Workforce & Education
• December 9, 2025 - Community Connections
• January 13, 2026 - Health & Community Wellness
• February 10, 2026 - Day at the Capitol
• March 10, 2026 - Law Enforcement and Justice System
• April 16-17, 2026 - Retreat & Graduation (overnight - mandatory)

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Leadership Fayette program. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program.

Participants are required to attend the mandatory orientation retreat and all monthly sessions in their entirety. Participants must also commit time necessary to work with classmates on class project.  While we understand that sometimes an absence is unavoidable, a participant may not miss more than one (1) class session and must complete additional enrichment activities to make up any missed time.

Leadership Fayette is built on strong fundamental leadership principles. The program concludes on April 16-17, 2026 with a mandatory overnight retreat and graduation ceremony. 

The class project serves as a central component of the Leadership Fayette experience. The project provides participants with an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solving by working in teams to accomplish a larger mission. The project directly correlates with themes explored during class sessions and is a capstone to the Leadership Fayette class experience.  The project may involve exploration of the civic health of Fayette County including social connectedness, community involvement, political action and participation, and confidence in institutions.

Beyond the monthly class sessions, periodic optional opportunities will be provided for additional enrichment of leadership and community knowledge.   Examples include a day of optional tours of local industry and attendance at local government meetings.

The Leadership Fayette program is open to anyone who lives or works in Fayette County.  No more than two representatives from any one organization can be selected to participate in a class.

The application process is governed by a Leadership Fayette advisory committee.  A panel of the advisory committee reviews all applications received and determines finalist applicants to be invited to final interviews.  Leadership Fayette considers the following criteria during the process:

• Demonstrated capacity for leadership
• Community interest and involvement
• Desire to assume expanded leadership responsibility
• Willingness to give back to the community
• Class representation of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Commitment to program attendance

Tuition includes all expenses for the monthly sessions, orientation retreat, meals, limited transportation, and graduation dinner. Costs of any optional enrichment opportunities, if any, are not included. Tuition must be paid in full by July 12, 2024 and is non-refundable.

Tuition* for Leadership Fayette is $1,000 for Fayette Chamber Members and $1,350 for non-members.

*Partial scholarships may be available to assist with tuition. 

Completed applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:

• Email to Cereto@FayetteChamber.org, subject line: LF Application Submission
• Drop off or mail to: Fayette Chamber of Commerce, 600 W. Lanier Avenue, Suite 205, Fayetteville, GA  30214

Questions or requests for further information about Leadership Fayette should be directed to Cereto Bean via email: Cereto@FayetteChamber.org  or phone: 770-461-5946.