In January 1992, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approved a recommendation to support the Leadership Historic Triangle (LHT) program with a mission to encourage, enrich, and support future community leaders.

Recruiting the first class began shortly thereafter, and its participants graduated in May 1994. Since then, 14 classes and over 400 leaders have completed the program.

A companion program, Community Leadership Service, was formed in 2004 for retirees and newcomers to the area, and in 2014, LHT became LEAD Greater Williamsburg.

Class members have formed strong bonds through the networking opportunities the program provides. A testimony to the overall success of LEAD throughout its 30 years is the number of its graduates who have gone on to serve in leadership positions in local governments, non-profit boards, or their respective companies. It’s safe to say “mission accomplished.”