Emerging Leaders Council

The Emerging Leaders Council was formed to identify and help develop future leaders in W.A.C.E. and the Chamber industry.

Members of the Council will be asked to provide program feedback and ideas for the good of W.A.C.E. and will serve as advisors to the association’s Board of Directors and President. The Emerging Leaders Council meets monthly on zoom, and hosts guest speakers to discuss their leadership journey and professional development within the Chamber industry. The Council also serves as a peer group for industry professionals looking for advice and ideas. Emerging Leaders Council members are invited to attend W.A.C.E. Board meetings as non-voting members, and are actively involved in helping at W.A.C.E. conference and other programming.

If you are new to the industry or looking to get more connected to other Chamber industry professionals & W.A.C.E., the Emerging Leaders Council is a great place to start!

Program Requirements

Council members must have less than 10 years of Chamber industry experience.
Chamber may only have one representative at a time serving on the Council.
Members of the council serve a two year term, with an opportunity to renew their membership (until they hit 10 years in the industry).
Council members must attend one in-person WACE Board meeting during their 2-year term.
Council members are required to attend monthly zoom meetings, and are encouraged be involved in other volunteer opportunities with W.A.C.E. as they become available (committee positions, assisting with the annual conference, etc.)

Applications are now closed but will reopen in 2025. For additional information, contact Emerging Leaders 2025 Chair Jessica Penman at [email protected].

Emerging Leaders Council Members

The 22 chamber CEOs and staff professionals that currently make up the 2024-2025 W.A.C.E. Emerging Leaders Council are listed below. This year's Emerging Leaders Chair is Jessica Penman, President & CEO of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce (right).