Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW)

Leadership Fort Wayne

Premier leadership development program that builds leadership skills and increases community awareness to drive positive change.

Geographic Scope: Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana

Program Focus Areas:

• Leadership skills development
• Community awareness
• Understanding pressing issues and opportunities facing the community
• Leadership training on pertinent contemporary topics
• Job-shadow experiences with local organization heads
• Personality and talent assessments
• Community Action Projects
• One-year internship opportunities on nonprofit organization boards

Program Structure:

• Cohort-based model (e.g., "Class of 2021")
• Panel discussions with heads of local organizations
• Behind-the-scenes look at community aspects (arts, government, economic development, etc.)
• Typically runs over an academic year

Program Leadership:

• Directed by Barry Schrock, Director of Leadership Programs
• Nearly 30 years of relevant experience in leadership training and coaching
• Background includes consulting firm specializing in leadership training, educational leadership, keynote speaking, and coaching of C-suite executives

Notable Alumni Include:

• Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry (Class of 1986)
• University of Saint Francis President Sr. Elise Kriss (Class of 1988)
• Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts (Class of 1988)
• Design Collaborative President Pat Pasterick (Class of 1997)
• Allen County Homeland Security Director Bernie Beier (Class of 2007)
• MKM Architecture + Design Principal Zach Benedict (Class of 2008)
• Fort Wayne–Allen County Airport Authority Executive Director Scott Hinderman (Class of 2009)
• Embassy Theatre President/CEO Kelly Updike (Class of 2009)

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (260) 420-6945
• Address: 200 E. Main Street Suite 800, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
• Website: LeadershipFortWayne.com

Application Process

1. Apply Online
   • Visit: LeadershipFortWayne.com
   • Complete online application
   • Application deadline: June 30 (historically; verify for current year)
2. Required Materials
   • Letter of recommendation (preferably from LFW alumnus)
   • Complete application form with personal/professional information
3. Selection Process
   • Applications reviewed by program leadership
   • Cohort selected based on application materials and recommendations
4. Program Participation
   • Selected cohort members participate in structured program activities
   • Attend panel discussions and leadership training sessions
   • Complete community action projects
   • Participate in job-shadow experiences
   • Complete personality and talent assessments
   • Option to serve one-year internship on nonprofit board
5. Contact for Questions
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Phone: (260) 420-6945