Leadership Southside
Leadership Southside is the Dan River Region’s premiere leadership development program for the business, education, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Leaders from Danville and Pittsylvania County have been participating in this program for over 30 years to develop their leadership skills and strengthen their role as an individual, professional, and community member.
From equipping participants with the understanding of a leader’s role in developing and communicating a transformative vision for the future, to teaching them how to manage themselves and others effectively through conflict situations, this program is designed to build an alliance of the finest leaders for present and future leadership needs in the region. As each individual’s capacity for growth increases, so does our region’s capacity for success.
PROGRAM CONTENT
Session topics include leading a team, conflict resolution, communication skills, crisis leadership, equitable leadership, and transformational leadership. Throughout the program, participants will have access to several assessments, including CliftonStrengths and Enneagram, in addition to a 360 assessment and one-on-one coaching sessions with an executive coach. In January, participants will travel to Richmond for Chamber Day at the Capitol to hear from and engage with members of the General Assembly.
SCHEDULE
Leadership Southside is a 10-month program, typically meeting on the third Tuesday of each month from August through April. To avoid holiday schedules, the class will meet on the second Tuesday in December. Participants will graduate in May at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet.
Please see the application link below for the list of proposed dates for this year’s program.
TUITION
Tuition: $1,799Â per participant
Leadership Southside has evolved into a highly intentional, cohort-based leadership development program focused on the individual. Participants don’t just learn about leadership—they actively develop how they lead within their teams, organizations, and communities.
If a participant misses more than two sessions, they cannot graduate from the program. Please note that tuition is non-refundable.
In the coming year, we are expanding the experience to include a more active alumni network and new opportunities to connect with other leadership programs across the region, strengthening both long-term relationships and regional leadership impact.
To align with the depth of this experience and to ensure we can continue delivering it at a high level, the program investment will be $1,799 and will remain consistent for the next several years, providing stability for employers and participants planning ahead.
This 10-month experience has a value of over $15,000. The one-time tuition investment covers all programmatic and logistical costs, including the overnight trip to Richmond in January.
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the Leadership Southside Participant Application. Click the link below to access the Leadership Southside Participant Application. This year’s application timeline and program dates can be found on the application.
- Email your current résumé/CV to Rachel Covington at rcovington@dpchamber.org.
- Forward the Leadership Southside Employer Commitment Form to your supervisor for them to complete.The Employer Commitment Form is necessary so your employer can [1] provide a leadership recommendation and [2] confirm your commitment to the program. If you are self-employed, please complete the Employer Commitment Form yourself to indicate that you have the time to commit to the program.
Click the link below to access the Employer Commitment Form.
Only complete applications will be considered by the Leadership Southside Selection Committee.
Applications are open for the 2026 - 2027 program year.
QUESTIONS
The Chamber has contracted with Rachel Covington to lead and facilitate this year’s Leadership Southside program.
If you have any questions, contact Rachel Covington at rcovington@dpchamber.org.
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