Information

Leadership Clinton County is a constituent program and subsidiary of the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

Prior to 1999, community stakeholders and leaders in Clinton County recognized an increasing need for structured leadership development. They also identified a growing concern known at the time as “brain drain,” now more commonly referred to as Human Capital Flight. Simply put, individuals with talent, skills, and education were leaving the area in search of better opportunities, taking with them not only their abilities but also their economic contributions. This challenge continues to affect many small and rural communities, including our own.

In response, several community partners—including the Clinton County Economic Partnership, the City of Lock Haven’s Federal Enterprise Community, Penn State Cooperative Extension, and dozens of other local stakeholders—came together in 1999 to collaborate on a solution. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the Leadership Clinton County program that continues to thrive today. The inaugural class began in 2000 and celebrated the graduation of its first 12 participants in 2001.

While the program has evolved and adapted over the past 25 years, its core principles have remained constant:

1. Help participants recognize their leadership potential and identify ways to use their abilities to benefit their communities.

2. Foster strong networks among participants and with other local leaders to support effective leadership.

3. Provide a comprehensive understanding of Clinton County, including its challenges, opportunities, and the diverse institutions working to improve health, human services, education, economic and community development, natural resource management, and the judicial system.

4. Equip participants with essential leadership skills such as group and meeting management, decision-making, conflict resolution, communication, fundraising, and teamwork.

5. Strengthen Clinton County’s quality of life for both current and future generations.

Upon completion, graduates are invited to join the Leadership Clinton County Alumni Association, which offers continued opportunities for networking, facility tours, and ongoing engagement.

The program is primarily funded through the generous support of local businesses and industries that recognize the value of leadership development for both the community and their workforce. Many corporate sponsors enroll one or more employees each year and benefit from highly motivated, well-connected leaders upon program completion.

Leadership Clinton County is administered by a full-time coordinator and guided by a committee of community stakeholders, the majority of whom are program alumni.

Applications are available online and are due by July 1 each year.

We extend our sincere thanks to this year’s major program sponsors: Central PA Auto Auction; Clinton County Commissioners; Clinton County Community Foundation; Clinton County Economic Partnership; Diversified Asset Planners; Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital; First Quality; Leadership Clinton County Alumni Association; and The PPL Foundation.

We also thank all presenters, hosts, advisors, and employers for their generous financial and in-kind support.

Here is a link to The Lock Haven Express article on the history of Leadership Clinton County.