Who we are and what we do

Leadership MetroWest is a nonprofit community leadership development organization with over 500 alumni of its flagship program, “The Leadership Academy.” The mission is to build and strengthen civic leadership through knowledge, networking and community involvement. Founded in 1986 as a program of the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership MetroWest was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1994.

The Leadership Academy program supports the mission by empowering and encouraging participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to be effective community leaders, and encouraging citizens from every walk of life to rise to the challenge of community leadership. Each year the Academy brings together 25 of the region’s established and emerging leaders from business, local government, education, nonprofits and community organizations to offer them an enlightened perspective of the challenges and opportunities facing the MetroWest region.

Over the course of 10 months, the curriculum explores regional issues, such as government, economy, education, public safety, diversity, arts, environment, housing and transportation through site visits and discussions with key experts and leaders. The program also includes training in team-building, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Leadership Academy alumni are driven to grow personally and to make a difference in their communities. Participants gain a working knowledge of current issues, experience diverse schools of thought and learn more about their own personal leadership styles. They emerge knowing how to get involved in community volunteering and civic affairs. They establish a unique resource network of other alumni working together to address community issues. Our 500 alumni are "uncommon leaders serving the common good."

Besides The Leadership Academy, our other programs include an active Alumni Association; “Speaking From Experience,” a speakers bureau; “Get on Board,” an online service to help connect our alumni with nonprofit and municipal boards looking for volunteers; and “The MetroWest School of Government, a 1-day training for newly elected and appointed members of town boards and committees. Our annual Civic Engagement Forum for alumni and community leaders features special guest speakers. In 2007 Governor Deval Patrick addressed over 350 attendees at our annual event.

The organization is led by a Board of Directors and staffed by an Executive Director. Helen Lemoine has served as Executive Director since August 2000. Ms. Lemoine is an alumna of the Leadership Academy Class of 1993.

For more information: info@leadershipmetrowest.org or 508- 872-6161