Leadership Evergreen was inspired in 1993 by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s one-year leadership program, “Fifty for Colorado.”
Using this model, Evergreen leaders Andy Petrick and Linda Kirkpatrick, both graduates of “Fifty for Colorado,” collaborated on the benefits of offering a similar program in Evergreen, and they introduced a small-scale equivalent leadership program in 1994.
An executive team of local community representatives was formed to develop the curriculum modules and the new Leadership Evergreen program. Initially, under the wing of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, the program was designed to encourage individuals to participate and understand more about the inner workings of local government, including unincorporated Jefferson County, Special Districts, and how other organizations make things happen in our mountain communities. The first official class started in 1996.
Leadership Evergreen is now a stand-alone entity and continues to be a highly respected leadership program. Governed by a rotating Board of Directors, many program graduates, the Board plans the curriculum bi-yearly for each new Leadership class. Class participants experience lessons in the community’s economics, governmental oversight and a broad range of community and professional services taught by qualified professionals in their fields of expertise.
Leadership Evergreen grooms its participants through leadership skills and team building by encouraging each class to put forth a legacy class project and/or be involved in our mountain communities by working together to build a pathway for the future. Not only does Leadership Evergreen develop strong, active leaders, but these individuals also have a broader understanding, respect, and commitment to our history and culture.