Leadership Highland Lakes
About Leadership Highland Lakes
Leadership Highland Lakes provides a hands-on, interactive experience where leaders and emerging leaders will have the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional skills, gain a deeper understanding of community dynamics, and build a network of colleagues and associates throughout the south Highland Lakes area.
Throughout the year, participants will travel to various sites, meeting the policy makers and trend setters in our community. They will interact with elected officials, city executives, business leaders, non-profit organization leaders and others who make our community work. Sessions have been designed to provide a solid foundation in the concepts and principles of leadership that will be addressed throughout the program as the participants are confronted with the daily issues that face our community.
It is hoped that graduates will use the insights and contacts they develop through this program to enhance performance in their current jobs and endeavors and enrich the community by involvement with local civic, government, business, religious and/or non-profit groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application period?
Applications will be accepted for 2025/2026 from April 1 – July 1, 2025. The online application goes live on April 1, 2025, and closes on July 1, 2025.
Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation.
*Candidates will be notified of acceptance into Leadership Highland Lakes no later than August 1, 2025.
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the tuition?
Tuition fee is $650 for the nine-month program. Tuition must be paid in full no later than August 15, 2025, to be admitted to the program. *The tuition fee is non-refundable.
What qualifications are you looking for in applicants?
All candidates should demonstrate:
• A passion for the people and future of Marble Falls and the Highland Lakes area and a personal commitment to help improve the quality of life in the Highland Lakes area and surrounding communities.
• A demonstrated commitment to the community through past and current activities.
• A demonstrated capacity for leadership within their own organizations through significant achievements.
• An interest in enhancing their leadership capabilities to meet the demands of the growth and evolving changes within our community.
• A willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program requirements, which requires the full support of their organizations.
• A commitment to supporting the continuation of leadership and Chamber development in the Highland Lakes area.
• Each candidate, or their employer, must be a current member of the Marble Falls/Highland Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
When does the class meet?
The class meets the second Tuesday of the month beginning in September with the exception of Orientation on Wednesday, September 3rd. Session dates are September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14. Graduation will be April 21.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. Each program date is set for the entire class. Attendance is required for all participants and program dates. You must be present at all program days to graduate and participate in future Leadership events. *The tuition fee is non-refundable.
Gallery of Leadership Highland Lakes 2024-2025
(Click each day to see the photos)
Testimonial
Participating in Leadership Highland Lakes has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. Through this program, I formed lasting connections and built meaningful relationships with individuals from across our community—people I may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Each session deepened my understanding of the inner workings of our local government, businesses, and organizations. It gave me a much broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shape the Highland Lakes region.
The knowledge I gained and the network I developed have been truly invaluable, both personally and professionally. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend Leadership Highland Lakes to anyone looking to grow as a community leader.
Kayla Gostnell
Tourism Manager
Visit Marble Falls
Testimonial
As a transplant to the area, Leadership Highland Lakes has introduced so many new things to me I would never have known existed! From businesses like Corworth, making buildings in-house and transporting them across the country, to local nonprofits like the Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center, providing shelter and services to survivors of family violence.
The number of new friendships and business contacts I've gained throughout the program is immeasurable. I highly recommend everyone with an interest in the community consider joining Leadership Highland Lakes.
Josh Anger
Harmonise Start & Sound
Leadership Highland Lakes Alumni
Leadership Highland Lakes Alumni dues will serve as the financial backbone to support a scholarship initiative for individuals that want to participate in Leadership Highland Lakes. This is a way to encourage Leadership Highland Lakes graduates to help those that may want to go through the program but may not have the means or a sponsoring business.
Dues will be used for scholarships and bi-annual mixers with current participants and Alumni of Leadership Highland Lakes.
Annual Dues for LHL Alumni are $50 Annually.