What Is Leadership Leawood?

Leadership Leawood is a five-month immersive leadership development journey designed to equip emerging professionals with the tools, insights, and connections needed to serve and lead in Leawood and the Greater Kansas City region. Participants explore the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through experiential learning and peer networking—and graduate with sharpened leadership skills, a broadened network, and a deeper understanding of our community.

Class of 2026 Highlights

• 21 outstanding participants representing organizations across public service, education, nonprofits, healthcare, and more:

  • Nic Amerio, Sunflower Bank
  • Priscilla Baeta, Musselman & Hall Contractors
  • AlFonzo Bowens, Busey Bank
  • Taryn Borelli, DLR Group
  • Sarrisa Curry, The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center
  • Kristie Darby, Shawnee Mission School District
  • Alex DeMasi, Berkowitz Oliver LLP
  • Dawn Fry, Bill Fry the Plumbing Guy
  • Chris Hargis, Leawood Police Department
  • Jacob Haywood, Prevail Wealth Strategies
  • Camille Kaldahl, AdventHealth
  • Larry Lewis, Growing Futures Early Education Center
  • Jason McElhiney, City of Leawood
  • Aaron Otto, Johnson County Government
  • Austin Panko, JE Dunn
  • Adam Peden, WaterWalk Hotel
  • Amber Bourek Slater, Johnson County Library
  • Amy Smith, Johnson County Community College
  • Blake Spanjer, The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center
  • Becca Stout, Culinary Virtue Restaurant Collective/Meat Mitch BBQ
  • Kelly Wessel, Blue Valley School District

Take a look at this class of leaders HERE!

Why Join?

• Community Insight: Engage directly with Leawood’s civic, business, and nonprofit leaders.

• Professional Growth: Develop leadership capabilities through workshops, panels, and real-world interactions.

• Network: Build meaningful connections with fellow emerging leaders.

• Impact: Participate in a cohort service project that leaves a lasting mark on the community.

Ready to Lead?

Applications for Leadership Leawood’s Class of 2027 to open September 2026.

Many thanks to our Leadership Leawood sponsor, Molle Auto Group.