About leadership blount

As Blount County and its needs have changed over the last thirty years, Leadership Blount has aspired to meet those needs through its programming. After a year-long strategic planning process in 2017, Leadership Blount revamped its core program to introduce a more dynamic, issue-driven curriculum to further tackle the issues in our county.

In Leadership Blount’s core program, comprehensive class days are designed to build relationships, enhance leadership skills, increase civic engagement, and to improve community understanding that leads to positive impact on Blount County. The curriculum committee and staff plan and conduct full-day, issue-driven sessions each month from August through May. Class members also attend a two-day Opening Retreat and a Legislative Trip to Nashville.

Class members have a direct connection to community leaders and a direct impact on our community. The class is designed for experienced leaders who are expected to participate through research, group facilitation, and problem solving focusing on our community’s most critical issues. A personal commitment and a class commitment are made to the community for lifelong service. The Leadership Blount core experience does not end with the 10-month program. Participating in the alumni organization is expected and encouraged. The class is selected by a volunteer committee of alumni based on nominations received from the community and an in-depth application.

The health and safety of participants, alumni, volunteers, and staff is a priority. Leadership Blount’s response to the pandemic continues to be informed by the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tennessee Department of Health. Proactive steps are being made to offer all programs and the current environment will continually be evaluated with the best interests of participants, alumni, and staff in mind.

Tuition is charged and covers some fees and course materials, as well as some meals and transportation. Optional or special activities may require additional costs. A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for eligible candidates. The tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable after payment is received. Tuition is $1800.

CLASS DATES for the Class of 2025:

• July 25, 5-8pm - Orientation
• August 2-3 - Retreat, mandatory
• August 22 - Class Day
• August 22 - New Class Reception
• September 19 – Class Day
• October 24 – Class Day
• November 21 – Class Day
• December 12 – Class Day
• January 23 – Class Day
• February 20 – Class Day
• Feb 24-25 - Nashville Legislative Trip, mandatory
• March 27 – Class Day
• April 17 – Class Day
• May 1 – Class Day
• May 1 – Graduation

Leadership Blount Nomination Form