Leadership History
In 1988 a group of community leaders from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce began formulating ideas for a new program, which would offer developmental opportunities to current and future community leaders. There was justified concern that the Coast needed to create a continuing flow of strong, community-committed people who would take on leadership responsibilities from those who had been serving for a number of years. This group knew that our supply of individuals who possessed the knowledge, understanding, commitment and courage to assume leadership responsibilities was limited. After researching several successful leadership programs that were already established, the group realized we also needed a program that would ensure our future success. Preliminary documents stated the intent of our local program should:
“…ultimately be designed to sensitize our current and potential leaders to the real problems and opportunities in our community, teaching them to consider an array of options in finding solutions and helping them to know each other well, developing a network of relationships that would provide clear communication between and among all segments of our society.”
This was an exciting statement and the more involved this group became; the more they realized the benefits of such a program for our Coast. They were more determined than ever to see their efforts become reality. In 1990, Leadership Gulf Coast officially became a program of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber recognized the leadership program as one of its major activities and therefore agreed to supply a staff person, office supplies, and office space to the program. Today, the Leadership program pays the Chamber a nominal monthly maintenance fee for their services.
Leadership Gulf Coast is ultimately governed by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber Board of Directors. However, Leadership also has its own Board of Trustees, by-laws, policies and procedures. The Leadership Gulf Coast Board consists of a cross-section of our community. Each Board member is elected for a three-year term and can serve additional years to fill unexpired terms of less than three years.
The Leadership year runs from June 1st to May 31st. Each year 37 people are selected to participate in the program. One additional position is given to the Chamber in order for a staff person to be able to participate. An anonymous committee selects the participants based on a matrix, which ensures a true cross-section of all segments of our community. Attendance at monthly sessions is strictly enforced with minimal absences allowed. The contents of each session are based on current issues and concerns of the Gulf Coast. The sessions begin in August and end with graduation in May. Upon graduation, alumni are charged with “utilizing their capabilities and progress into higher positions of authority in our community.”
The establishment of Leadership Gulf Coast has succeeded in breaking barriers between communities, and it continues to build a unified vision for the Gulf Coast.