Leadership Ellis County

The application for the 2024-2025 class is closed.  

2024-2025 Dates

  • September 26-27 – Camp Retreat
  • October 18
  • November 15
  • December 20
  • January 17
  • February 21
  • March 21
  • April 25
  • May 16
  • June 20 – LEC Graduation 
  • Austin Day – TBA

Tuition

$1,500 (non-refundable)*

*Waxahachie Community Visionaries receive $500 off tuition. 

Includes:

  • Overnight Stay (camp retreat)
  • Meals
  • Educational Materials
  • Speakers
  • Graduation Party
  • Other Coordinated Activities

Who Should Apply?

LEC participants are established leaders in the civic and business community who are serious about broadening their impact and sphere of influence in Ellis County.

What is the time commitment?

  • Two day, overnight retreat in September at Lakeview Camp
  • Eight full-day sessions once a month (October – May)
  • Graduation celebration in June
  • Participation in a class project

What will I gain from participating?

Participation in Leadership Ellis County offers a unique opportunity to be part of a ten-month experience during which you will learn about yourself and about the many different communities that are part of Ellis County. In addition, you will make lifetime friendships with individuals representing the diversity of the county. At the end of the program year, those who complete the program will discover that their LEC experience has been life changing, professionally and personally.

Participants can expect:

  • A broader and more profound understanding of complex community issues
  • A deeper appreciation of how these community issues relate to one another in a greater system
  • A heightened recognition of the potential influence civic leaders have on community issues
  • An increased understanding of ways to be effective contributors within the community
  • A deep understanding of the value of collaborating with diverse partners to accomplish complex goals
  • A greatly expanded network of colleagues to serve as resources in their endeavors.
  • A greater commitment to being involved in their communities in even more meaningful ways

I am not sure I can attend all of the class days - can I still participate?

In order to accomplish the program’s stated objectives, attendance and full participation of each individual selected is necessary. Participants must be able to commit to the full class schedule below and class project. We highly encourage staying overnight at the retreat. This will help build camaraderie with the group.  However, we realize that “life happens” sometimes. Therefore, we do allow for two excused absence per class year. More than two absence could disqualify a program participant from graduating from the program.

The selection committee will be looking for the following in your application:

A candidate who demonstrates an interest in collaboration and consensus to work with others in achieving a common goal.  A Selection Committee of Ellis County business leaders and chamber professionals ensures that participants in LEC represent the diversity of greater Ellis County community. It is an honor to be invited to participate.

What if I apply and am not selected?

Those who apply to the LEC program, and are not selected the first year, are strongly encouraged to reapply. Experienced civic and community leaders recognize that a long-term perspective and perseverance are fundamental to success. Because this curriculum can only be successful when the class composition reflects the diversity of Ellis County, the Selection Committee selects individuals for each class to reflect Ellis County’s geographic and professional diversity. Therefore, the Selection Committee reviews the class composition as a whole when selecting candidates.

Questions about the program?

Contact Julie Farrar, Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce Vice President, at jfarrar@waxahachiechamber.com for any questions.