With over 1,400 graduates since its 1984 founding, Leadership Mahoning Valley continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the Mahoning Valley’s leadership landscape, says JoAnn Stock, president.
“Our hallmark nine-month Signature Program remains at the core of our work, while new initiatives such as the Lessons in Leadership Speaker Series, Women’s Leadership Network, On Board! Board Training and BoardMatch Program and our Nonprofit Leadership Resource Network have expanded our reach and relevance,” she explains.
Planning is also underway for LMV NXT!, a program for emerging managers, and for the revitalized Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley initiative, launching in 2026.
The programs serve more than 800 participants annually, connecting established, emerging and future leaders.
To meet community demand for ongoing leadership development, LMV launched several initiatives during the 2024-25 program year:
Lessons in Leadership Speaker Series: Quarterly sessions offering professional development and networking opportunities.
Women’s Leadership Network, forums for women leaders to connect, share experiences and explore topics such as work-life balance, leadership pathways, and mental wellness.
On Board! Board Training and BoardMatch Program, quarterly workshops providing governance and compliance training for nonprofit leaders and board members, coupled with a Board Match service linking graduates to local organizations.
LMV NXT! Young Professional Program, a hands-on series designed to strengthen leadership skills among emerging managers and early-career professionals.
Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley, a collaborative initiative with schools and community partners to introduce high school students to leadership principles and community engagement.
Nonprofit Leadership Resource Network, an initiative that provides training, education, resources, networking, individualized coaching and mentoring to local nonprofit organizations to increase their impact on constituents.
For 2026 and beyond, Leadership Mahoning Valley will sustain its signature programming, broaden its reach through targeted leadership workshops and continue to empower the next generation of leaders in the Mahoning Valley, Stock says.
“The ultimate measure of our success is in the long-term impact of participation in the program,” she adds “Over 1,400 alumni dating back to the first class who graduated in 1985, cite the program as being a catalyst in their personal and professional growth. They acknowledge that the knowledge that they gained and the relationships they formed during their program year, have continued with them throughout their lives.”
Over time, Leadership Mahoning Valley alumni become catalysts for economic development, inclusive growth and sustained civic leadership – ensuring that the Mahoning Valley continues to thrive through a connected and informed leadership base.
Leadership Mahoning Valley alumni remain engaged in their communities, continuing to offer guidance, mentorship, and service to future generations. This creates a sustainable cycle of leadership where new leaders are continually nurtured, ensuring the long-term vitality of community programs, LMV’s president adds.
