Leadership BG Program
Leadership BG is a one-day per month commitment for 9 months that highlights a broad range of issues vital to the community. The program beings in September and runs through May each year. Through contact with a variety of experts in the fields of Economic Development, Local Government, Health Care, Judicial System, Manufacturing, Social Services, Education, and Leadership Development, participants will expand their leadership skills, knowledge, and influence on their community.
These components also increase communication dialogue between the public and private sector; builds consensus among participants, and fosters personal and professional relationships through the exchange of viewpoints and experiences. Each class is given the challenge of completing a required class community service project of its choice, enabling the group to work together toward a common goal while administering their leadership style and exploring possibilities of effective change.
The 2024-2025 session is underway. To apply for the 2025-2026 program year, please see the application linked here, and return it to the BG Chamber by August 1st, 2025.

Class of 2025
Josh Billnitzer - St. Mark's Lutheran Church & Academy
Ronnie Closson - City of BG Fire Division
David Drain - BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group
Melissa Ellerbrock - Northwestern Water & Sewer District
Karlyn Feffer - City of BG
Tom McGrain - Northwestern Water & Sewer District
Rachel Moore - Wood Lane Industries
Tina Ohmart Mendoza - United Way of Greater Toledo
Joe Ortinau - Ortinau Art
Mike Richter - William Vaughan Company
Kristie Scarpelli-Peek - Wood Lane Residential Services
Bailee Sigman - Wood County District Public Library
Rod Smith - Wood County Sheriff's Office
Cassie Tinta - BioFit Engineered Products
Brad Tussing - City of BG Wastewater Treatment Plant
Kathie VanNess - Sounds Like Yoga
Emily Wilhelm - Bowling Green State University
Jerrod Witt - CMC Group, Inc.
High School Leadership Program
High School Leadership is a seven-month youth leadership-training program with the mission of introducing high school aged youth to their community while fostering leadership abilities. While today's primary focus remains on tomorrow's leaders, this program consists of fewer lectures and is more interactive - using approaches much like those employed in today's classroom. The program includes students from Bowling Green High School, who must go through an application process, and be recommended by school faculty and administrators.
Huge "thank you" to Call of the Canyon Cafe for being the Lunch Sponsor for the 2024-2025 class!
