Leadership Yates County

Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Communities

A professional development experience created to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Yates County. Participants will gain practical tools, peer connections, and leadership insights they can immediately apply in their workplaces and communities.

About the Program

Develop. Connect. Lead.

Leadership Yates County is a six-session leadership development program for current and emerging leaders across business, nonprofit, and civic organizations. Each session blends learning, reflection, and networking to strengthen the participant’s ability to lead with purpose and impact the community.

Program Features

  • Locally designed and facilitated with relevance to Yates County
  • Small cohort (12–15 participants) for meaningful peer learning
  • Integration of DiSC Leadership assessments and personal leadership plans
  • Interactive sessions with community and organizational leaders

Session Overview

Each session builds on the previous one, combining leadership skill-building with practical community connections.

Session 1: Leading with Intention

Participants explore their individual leadership style through the DiSC assessment, learn how to set a vision, and align personal and professional goals with purpose. This session establishes a foundation for authentic leadership and self-awareness.

Session 2: Building a Healthy Workplace Culture

Focuses on understanding organizational culture and how leadership decisions shape team engagement and morale. Participants will identify ways to cultivate trust, inclusion, and communication across all levels of their organizations.

Session 3: Leading and Developing Others

Examines the dynamics of leading teams effectively. Topics include coaching strategies, feedback techniques, accountability, and managing generational differences in the workplace.

Session 4: Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

Explores how leaders can think strategically, make informed decisions, and align resources to achieve long-term goals. Participants work through a case study relevant to Yates County’s business and community landscape.

Session 5: Leading Organizational Change

Focuses on navigating change successfully. Participants will learn to assess organizational readiness, lead transitions effectively, and communicate with clarity and empathy through change processes.

Session 6: Capstone Presentations & Celebration

Participants showcase what they’ve learned through a final presentation and group reflection. This session highlights the community impact of the cohort and celebrates their growth as leaders.

Who Should Apply

  • Emerging and mid-level leaders ready to expand their influence
  • Managers, supervisors, or team leads who want to strengthen leadership capacity
  • Nonprofit and civic leaders seeking to enhance collaboration and impact
  • Professionals interested in developing a broader understanding of Yates County

Program Schedule

  • Five in-person sessions (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
  • One virtual session
  • Capstone project and graduation celebration

Program Investment

$1,100 per participant
Early or team enrollment discounts may apply.
Scholarships available for nonprofits and small employers through sponsorship support.

Download Application

Why Leadership Matters in Yates County

Yates County has a strong tradition of collaboration and entrepreneurship, yet we have lacked a structured program dedicated to cultivating local leaders. Leadership Yates County fills that gap by equipping professionals with the skills and networks needed to drive organizational and community success—without leaving the area.

By participating or sponsoring, you’re not just investing in a program—you’re investing in the next generation of Yates County’s leaders.

Get Involved

Ready to lead or support leadership in Yates County?

Download Full Program Guide (PDF)

Questions? Contact Steve Griffin
CEO / Finger Lakes EDC
(315) 536-7328 • info@fingerlakesedc.com

Leadership Yates County
Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Communities.