Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Stotts
Executive Director
616.771.0317
Stottsk@grandrapids.org

Our History 

In 1982, City Manager Steve Bernard proposed the Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) program to the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and in response, the Chamber appointed a steering committee. The program was officially established in 1984, and the inaugural Leadership Grand Rapids class graduated from the program in 1986.

In 1992, LGR held its first fundraiser to raise scholarship funds for program participants, known as The EVENT! Following in 1994, LGR introduced the Distinguished Community Trustee Award to honor a community leader that exemplifies the value of community trusteeship.  The first award was given to Mayor George Heartwell.

Inside Grand Rapids, a 2 ½ day orientation program, was introduced in 1996. Since then, IGR has introduced new leaders to the community and helped others already living here better understand the role they and their organizations could play in shaping our community's future.

In October of 2007, the Download GR program was launched to serve young professionals in their early to late twenties. The purpose of this program is to connect high-potential hires new to the area with others like themselves and the community as they start their professional careers.

In early 2008, a skills-based leadership program, Leadership Advantage, was launched to provide a "graduate level" program to further develop the critical thinking skills of emerging and established leaders.  LGR also began offering Customized Leadership Programs to assist companies in enhancing the leadership skills of their employees.

Additionally in 2008, Leadership Grand Rapids was formally renamed the Center for Community Leadership at the newly named "Annual Fundraiser." Under its new title, CCL will continue to be a resource of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and serve as the premier resource for leadership development in our community.