Thirty-four community leaders recently celebrated completion of a 10-month leadership program with Leadership Pioneer Valley. The group’s mission is to identify, develop and connect diverse leaders to strengthen the region.
Over the past 10 months, I and 33 fellow professionals connected with leadership across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We learned of civic development, such as the re-emergence of Union Station in Springfield; crucial nonprofit services, such as those provided across Franklin County and beyond by Community Action, and we discussed the successes and challenges of local businesses, like those found on Main Street in Northampton.
Along the way, leadership qualities were discussed and developed, professional and personal relationships were solidified and the Pioneer Valley became more connected.
I would like to thank the lead sponsors of Leadership Pioneer Valley’s Class of 2016 for their investment in the community: Baystate Health, Health New England, MassMutual, and MGM Springfield. The program has made an outstanding impact on the region since Leadership Pioneer Valley’s founding in 2010. It helps mold civic, business and non-profit leaders, each with a unique and diverse background.
Many thanks to the fiscal sponsors who enable this outstanding program to continue to grow and to facilitate collaboration across the region.
Lisabeth H. Jasniewicz
Northampton