Born out of a collaboration between the Greater Arlington Chamber and award-winning political scientist and former local elected official Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers, the Arlington Civic Engagement Institute kicked off the inaugural cohort on August 23 with 13 community champions. 

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce strongly believes in fostering a pipeline of educated and prepared leaders who can drive positive change and continue to take Arlington to new heights. Community leaders serve as the cornerstone for the economic vitality, wielding influence over policies that shape the business environment, neighborhoods, schools, and more. Their decisions reverberate far beyond governing chambers, directly impacting the prosperity and well-being of every resident.

The Greater Arlington Chamber proudly presents the inaugural cohort of the Arlington Civic Engagement Institute:
Maurice Ahern
Robert Blake
Kelsi Couture
Jeremy Dean
Bryant Griffith
Corey Harris
Valerie Landry
Sam Mattox
Barbara Oldums
Giana Ortiz
Anthony Powell
Brig Serman
Jason Shelton

“We are excited to welcome our inaugural cohort to the Arlington Civic Engagement Institute and look forward to broaden their knowledge of civic engagement and strengthen their leadership skills,” Michael Jacobson, Chamber President & CEO.

The inaugural cohort will undergo an innovative six-month program exploring the principles of Servant Leadership at various levels of leadership ranging from neighborhood organizations to nonprofit and local boards and commissions to elected office. Designed to turn their passion for service into something more tangible, the curriculum provides extensive knowledge and actionable insights about knowing and leading in your community, the “why” and “how” of seeking elected office and leading in office. Find more information about the Arlington Civic Engagement Institute here.