2024 Watauga Leadership Institute Cohorts are Underway

The 2024 class of the Watauga Leadership Institute kicked off their coursework with an all-day retreat at Valle Crucis Conference Center January 18^th. The event marks the beginning of a 12-week community development program that includes 30 total participants between two cohorts.

Watauga Leadership Institute (WLI) is a work program administered by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and encompasses all leadership development programming offered by the organization. Over 500 participants have engaged in Watauga Leadership Institute programming since 1998.

The program is made possible thanks to title sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Additional program support comes from Carolina West Wireless, LifeStore Bank, and the Appalachian Theatre.

Thanks to the generosity of Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Summit Partners, two non-profit professionals were gifted full-registration for this year's program. 

Watauga Leadership Challenge focuses on leadership development and community immersion and is often attended by those new to the High Country community.

Watauga Leadership Development is focused on leadership skills development and is attended by professionals who have already achieved mid to upper-level leadership status within their business or organization. Cohorts run annually from January through April.

“With the opportunities and challenges facing the High Country, creating space for leaders to hone their skills will ensure talented people are well equipped to guide our community through important moments,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “Watauga Leadership Institute gives us a dynamic vehicle to help participants build on their own strengths in leadership, while also understanding how those skills will benefit their personal and professional interests. Many of the participants in our programs become more engaged in local community activities, like serving on non-profit boards or coordinating volunteer support for agencies or organizations. Professional advancement is often made possible thanks to the skills uncovered in these courses, and participants will use this program to further develop their thoughts on self-awareness, organizational culture, diversity, and conflict management among other topics.”

The Watauga Leadership Institute curriculum is coordinated by Dr. Jim Street, Owner of Ridgeline Leadership, and retired leadership educator at Appalachian State University. Following a 36-year career in higher education, Dr. Street offers leadership development training and personal coaching to businesses and organizations throughout the Carolinas. He is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and completed Gallup’s Strengths Coaching Program in 2020.

“What I’m really enjoying about Watauga Leadership Development is that it’s a very thoughtful group," said Dr. Street. "They are willing to go deep and they come prepared with a sense of genuineness and authenticity. It makes it easier to get into challenging conversations because they are willing to go there. I like the energy and enthusiasm of the Watauga Leadership Challenge cohort. They are excited about being part of the group, and they have fun and laugh a lot. They are eager to learn about the High Country community and they are just as invested in developing their own leadership skills and style.”

2024 Watauga Leadership Challenge Roster

2024 Watauga Leadership Development Roster