Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

July 21, 2025 | Written by: Campbell Wheby

Leadership Sanford 2025 Cohort

For over 25 years, the Leadership Sanford program has aimed to provide a continuous, diverse supply of creative leaders to our community by developing their knowledge of the region and providing them with opportunities to take part in meaningful action.

At Sanford Area Growth Alliance, we remain committed to the founding principles that launched this initiative in 1998—because developing strong local leadership is more important now than ever.

Leadership development is critical because our community depends on resilient, informed individuals who can guide businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations through evolving challenges.

Leadership Sanford plays a vital role in ensuring that Sanford, Lee County, and beyond continue to grow, thrive, and adapt in meaningful ways.

We strive to shape participants into leaders by selecting highly qualified participants who are most likely to give to the community through service and have the potential to assume expanded responsibility. Once our cohort is formed, we provide each group member with the knowledge necessary to create a deeper understanding of the community and the issues facing it. By enhancing and sharpening their leadership skills in an environment where consensus building, group problem solving, and creativity are encouraged, they reach their full potential.

Whether you are an employer, a nonprofit leader, or an individual passionate about making a difference, we invite you to be part of the next cohort of Leadership Sanford.

To learn more, visit www.growsanfordnc.com/chamber/leadership-sanford or reach out to me directly.

Let’s shape our community’s future by investing in Leadership Sanford – where we build tomorrow’s leaders today.

Susan Gomez

Chamber of Commerce Director

sgomez@growsanfordnc.com