Leadership Mahoning Valley, a cornerstone of leadership development in the Valley for more than four decades, is returning to its roots as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization due to growth and plans for added programming.
Established in 1984 through the merger of the successful Leadership Youngstown and Leadership Warren programs, Leadership Mahoning Valley (LMV) has helped shape more than 1,300 business and civic leaders across the region. The program, which had operated under the umbrella of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber since 2008, is now poised to build on its strong legacy of fostering leadership and civic engagement.
“Thanks to the support of the Chamber, we are now positioned to return to our original strategy of serving as an independent nonprofit organization, while continuing to partner and collaborate with the Chamber, as well as other community organizations and businesses, to continue to build a sustainable base of current and future leaders for the Mahoning Valley,” said Paul Homick, chairman of the Board of Directors for LMV. “We are extremely grateful for the Chamber’s support in re-launching the program in 2023 after the program had been put on hiatus due to COVID. We are grateful for the Chamber’s assistance and for the commitment to and support of the development of leaders in the Mahoning Valley.”
JoAnn Stock, who has led the organization as executive director since 2023, has been promoted to President of Leadership Mahoning Valley. “Over the past 2.5 years, it has been a privilege to help guide Leadership Mahoning Valley through a period of remarkable growth,”
Stock said. “I’m thrilled to continue this journey and build on the incredible momentum we’ve achieved.”
Said Regional Chamber President & CEO Guy Coviello, “It was a privilege to restart Leadership Mahoning Valley more than two years ago, and it has been a joy to watch JoAnn Stock take the program to new heights. The caliber and volume of people applying to be part of the program speaks to its prestige and impact. We look forward to watching its continued growth and development of community leaders.”
Applications for the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2026—set to begin this September—are now available. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 11. Apply here. The immersive, nine-month program offers participants a dynamic series of speakers, tours, hands-on activities and site visits that explore programs, services, businesses and institutions in the region. Program days are centered around specific topics such as History and Heritage of the Valley, Government and Justice, Health and Human Services, Quality of Life, Business and Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, Diversity and Culture and Education.
In addition, participants will complete a DiSC® Assessment to deepen their understanding of personal and interpersonal dynamics. Participants will enhance their personal leadership development by increasing the skills necessary to raise self-awareness and improve teamwork, productivity and communication.
About the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is the Valley’s leading business advocacy organization, providing services and programs to promote the growth of its nearly 3,000 members and their 150,000 employees across the region. Through a robust public policy program and the management of transformational economic development-focused initiatives, the Regional Chamber is working to create a landscape that is favorable for our continued, future and sustained economic growth. For more information, visit regionalchamber.com.
About Leadership Mahoning Valley
Leadership Mahoning Valley is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation created to identify individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who demonstrate leadership talent and a strong commitment to the Mahoning Valley. Created in 1984 and governed by a volunteer board, LMV is one of more than 300 community leadership programs in the United States and is a member of the Association of Leadership Professionals (ALP). The core Leadership Mahoning Valley (LMV) signature program is an extensive 9- month leadership training program that incorporates key community concepts, current leadership themes and training opportunities. Since its inception, the program has cultivated more than 1,300 alumni who continue to make meaningful contributions in business, nonprofit, and civic life across the region. In addition to the signature Leadership Mahoning Valley training program, specialty leadership development programs targeting specific affinity groups such as Youth, Young Professionals, On Board! Board Training, a Women’s Leadership Network and the Lessons in Leadership Speaker Series. For more
information, visit www.leadershipmahoningvalley.org