NEXT GEN Coeur d'Alene Leadership Program

NEXT GEN Coeur d'Alene

A new leadership development and mentorship program designed to engage and empower young professionals ages 23-35, building the pipeline for North Idaho's next generation of community leaders. Launched January 2026 as a six-month pilot program.

Geographic Scope: Coeur d'Alene region, North Idaho (US)

Target Audience:

• Young professionals ages 23-35
• Emerging leaders in the community
• Individuals seeking mentorship and leadership development

Program Details:

• Duration: Six-month pilot program (inaugural cohort)
• Format: Mentorship-based with group networking and development activities
• Structure: One-on-one mentorship pairs plus cohort-wide engagement
• Mentors: 43 experienced senior business leaders volunteered for the inaugural pilot (outnumbering the 40 participants)

Program Components:

• Mentorship: Structured one-on-one relationships with established business leaders
• Networking: Facilitated networking exercises and authentic relationship-building opportunities
• Leadership Development: Coaching and knowledge-sharing across generations
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to contribute to community initiatives

Purpose:

• Address critical gaps in workforce and leadership pipelines
• Prepare young professionals for leadership roles
• Build meaningful connections across generations
• Create mutual learning opportunities between seasoned leaders and emerging talent
• Strengthen community commitment among young professionals

Philosophy:

• Bidirectional learning: not just senior leaders giving advice, but listening and sharing perspective
• Building trust across generations
• Intentional investment in future leaders
• Creating strong communities through intergenerational connection

Key Leaders/Advisors:

• Mike Baker, CEO of Heritage Health (Chamber board member, NEXT GEN Committee Advisor)
• Jennifer Smock, co-owner and managing broker at Windermere Coeur d'Alene Realty (Chamber Executive Committee member, NEXT GEN Committee Advisor)

Inaugural Cohort:

• Kickoff Event: January 15, 2026
• Participants: 40 young professionals
• Mentors: 43 senior business leaders
• Status: Six-month pilot program

Contact:

• Phone: +1 208-664-3194
• Email: connect@cdachamber.com
• Address: 105 North 1st Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Must be a young professional ages 23-35 interested in leadership development
2. Access Application: Visit the Chamber website (cdachamber.com) for application details
3. Submit Application: Complete and submit the NEXT GEN Coeur d'Alene application
4. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed; selected participants are notified
5. Program Participation: Attend kickoff event and engage in six-month mentorship and development program

Upcoming Cohorts:

• Inaugural cohort: January 2026 kickoff
• Future cohorts: Likely to follow annual cycle
• Contact Chamber for specific application deadlines and windows

Program Expectations:

• Commitment to six-month program duration
• Active engagement with mentor
• Participation in group networking and development activities
• Openness to mutual learning and community involvement