LEADERSHIP FLATHEAD
Leadership Flathead recognizes that effective leadership is the key to ensuring the future growth and prosperity of the Flathead Valley. By educating emerging and current leaders about relevant civic issues in our community and giving them an opportunity to learn from local leaders and decision-makers through panels and discussions, Leadership Flathead class members build relationships that will create a stronger community.
Developed by the Kalispell Chamber in 1991, over 850 participants from more than 200 businesses and organizations have participated in Leadership Flathead. Many of these leaders still live in our valley and strengthen our community by serving in a variety of leadership positions through government roles, on committees or non-profit boards, and with service projects throughout our community. Connections made during Leadership Flathead participation are ongoing and a foundation of involved alumni maintains these relationships and pushes the program to grow each year.
This two-year leadership development program consists of a variety of skills-building and community awareness programs that stretch the thinking of participants across dozens of different industries. The first year of the program involves a developmental retreat and a comprehensive overview of our community through nine, one-day sessions, each focused on a different aspect of our community. Each class learns from local leaders and decision makers, experiences unique tours, and cultivates their own leadership skills through presentations and group activities. Second-year participants are able to begin building stronger community relationships by assisting in the coordination of session days for the next class and are also challenged to assume a leadership role in a local organization of interest. In this way, participants use the skills and knowledge gained during the program to improve this community we all share together.
Interested in sponsoring the Flathead’s only community leadership building program? Click here.
For more information on the program, please contact Pilar Ogier, Leadership Flathead Program Director, at (406) 260.7389 or [email protected].

“I cannot speak highly enough about Leadership Flathead. The program has broadened my understanding of the challenges facing our community as well as highlighted incredibly innovative businesses and talented individuals right here in the Flathead Valley! I’ve discovered a lot about myself and my ability to grow as a leader. Joining Leadership Flathead is by far the best decision I have made in my professional career that has also benefited me as a person in countless ways.”
– Britta Joy, SpringHill Suites by Marriott