Our Program
Leadership Susquehanna Valley is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation that provides leadership programs to educate and motivate a diverse group of citizens for effective community and organizational leadership. The organization is driven by an all-volunteer board of directors, and contracts with the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce for professional management services.
The Leadership program schedule consists of:
a two-hour orientation in August
a one-and-a-half-day retreat in September
eight full-day programs October to May
formal presentation to alumni & employers in June
graduation ceremony in June
Our active learning program includes numerous field trips, group projects and other practical experiences. Program days are interactive, often fascinating, and sometimes intense. From October to May, the group develops knowledge and informed points of view on key issues and trends in their communities. Monthly program day themes include, but are not limited to Communications, Education, Healthcare, Economic & Workforce Development, Local Government, Community Engagement & Philanthropy, Agriculture, and Tourism. Participants are expected to attend each of the program days and to contribute consistently to the work of the group.
Above all, the Leadership Susquehanna Valley program aims to help class members to discover the issues that ignite their passion, and inspire them to take effective and positive action to improve the quality of life in the Susquehanna Valley.
“We use Leadership Susquehanna Valley to provide our employees with a lasting, high quality learning experience encompassed with networking with local businesses who bring a variety of experiences. The program provides practice in implementing new skills, giving a fresh approach to leadership culture, communication and performance. Our LSV alumni demonstrate a higher level of engagement and participation in strategic initiatives as they progress through the curriculum. LSV is an important program for our future leaders and brings an immediate impact to our company.”
Our Team
Staff
Executive Director
Jenny Wentz
Class of 2016
Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce
(570) 743-4100, Ext. 212
Assistant Executive Director
Zach Stotter
Class of 2021
Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of
Commerce
(570) 743-4100, Ext. 208
Executive Committee
President
Courtney Robinson Price
Class of 2020
Kreamer Feed, Inc.
Vice President
Aaron Barner
Class of 2020
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
Secretary
Olivia Zellers
Class of 2020
Keystone Human Services
Treasurer
Sam Ryder
Class of 2013
First National Bank
Immediate Past President
Lizz Hendricks
Class of 2008
Geisinger Health Foundation
Board of Directors
Ashlee Bower
Class of 2020
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center - CSIU
Stan Cary
Class of 2023
UPMC
Taylor Cole
Class of 2024
Cole’s Hardware
Kelly Feiler
Class of 2017
Selinsgrove REC
Jess Fester
Class of 2019
Wrk InsideOut
Angela Lahr
Class of 2017
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
Seth Loff
Class of 2022
M&T Bank
Ryan McNally
Class of 2019
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
Miller Center Joint Venture
Katrina Mouery
Class of 2022
Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA
Matt Saylor
Class of 2024
WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital
Sara Snyder
Class of 2019
Shared Support, Inc.
Gerald Stauffer
Class of 2011
Venture Leasing
Elisabeth Taylor
Class of 2018
Service 1st Federal Credit Union
Michael Thomas
Class of 2020
Meck-Tech, Inc.
Jill Woodhead
Class of 2022
UPMC
Contact Us
“Through volunteer opportunities and educational and leadership programs, Leadership Susquehanna Valley gives LDG team members the chance to engage in many of our firm’s Core Values, including Stewardship, which helps us realize our vision to enhance our communities and add sustainable value; Learning, which encourages our team members to continuously improve and develop as professionals; and Teamwork, which bolsters trusting, collaborative relationships across our company. LDG is proud to support LSV and the many opportunities it offers to put our Core Values into action.”
Our History
In 1993, representatives from nine organizations within Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties came together to forge a regional leadership program that would serve the needs of central Pennsylvania’s rural communities, boroughs, and cities.
This program was the collective idea of four area businessmen (Gary Baylor, Robert Garrett, Rod Keller and Guy Temple) who recognized the need for an area leadership program. Leadership Susquehanna Valley is designed to highlight the uniqueness of the Valley communities and to prepare current and future leaders to serve on not-for-profit boards and committees.
In September of 1994, the inaugural class of Leadership Susquehanna Valley embarked on its nine-month exploration of community resources and leadership skills. This Class of 1995 included 25 people from agriculture, banking, construction, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, media, and more.
Originally LSV served only Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. As the popularity and reputation of LSV has grown, so has the coverage area, now including Montour County and beyond.
Since its inception, more than 750 professionals from over 100 different organizations have graduated from LSV. They have gone on to serve on boards, committees, and task forces in nearly every community throughout the Greater Susquehanna Valley.
LSV Founders
Guy Temple
Gary Baylor
Rod Keller
Bob Garrett