Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the graduation of the 2025–2026 LEAD JC class, marking the completion of a seven-month leadership journey designed to strengthen community awareness, inspire civic engagement, and cultivate the next generation of leaders in Junction City and Geary County.
LEAD JC brings together professionals from diverse industries who share a common goal — investing in the future of the community. Throughout the program, participants gain firsthand insight into the partnerships, challenges, and opportunities that shape the region.
Over the course of the experience, the cohort explored several key areas essential to a thriving community, including:
- August 12, 2025: Leadership/Business Economy
- September 9, 2025: Fort Riley
- October 14, 2025: Public Safety
- November 18, 2025: Educational Systems
- December 9, 2025: State Government
- January 13, 2026: City/County Government
- February 10, 2026: Arts, Leisure, and Recreation
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, where participants reflected on their experiences and the strengths they bring to their organizations and the broader community.
“LEAD JC is more than a program — it is an investment in the future of Junction City,” said Kelly Cook, Membership Director of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce. “When leaders understand their community and build strong relationships, they are better equipped to create meaningful impact.”
Mandi Gaudian, Administrative Marketing Specialist for the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a member of the 2025–2026 class, shared how the program shaped her perspective.
“LEAD JC helped me better understand the importance and benefits of being an active participant in our community,” Gaudian said. “Through this experience, I gained insight into how the community functions, its history, and what it takes to support positive progress moving forward. The instructor’s thoughtful selection of materials, along with their ability to draw on the diverse backgrounds of participants to provide exceptional examples of leadership, made the experience especially impactful.”
Graduates leave the program with deeper connections, increased knowledge of regional assets, and a renewed commitment to community involvement. Many alumni go on to serve on local boards, volunteer for civic initiatives, and champion projects that enhance the vitality of Geary County and Junction City.
The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to developing leaders who will help move the community forward. Applications for the next LEAD JC class will open later this year.
For more information about LEAD JC or upcoming Chamber programs, please contact the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce.