Leadership Fauquier Opens Applications for 2026–2027 Community Leadership Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fauquier County, VA — Leadership Fauquier has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Community Leadership Program, a nine-month, place-based leadership experience designed to develop informed and connected leaders across Fauquier County.
Founded in 2014, Leadership Fauquier unites professionals from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to deepen understanding of how the county works and to strengthen leadership capacity across the community. Since the first cohort graduated in 2016, the program has built a growing network of alumni who serve Fauquier County as business owners, educators, nonprofit leaders, public servants, and community advocates.
Each year, approximately 20–25 participants are selected for the program. The cohort meets from September through May, participating in a leadership retreat, monthly full-day program sessions, and a county bus tour highlighting Fauquier County’s diverse regions and communities. Program days focus on key systems and challenges, including government and infrastructure, economic and community development, education and workforce development, health and human services, public safety, culture and recreation, and natural resources and the environment. Each cohort completes a class project to benefit the Fauquier County community.
“Leadership Fauquier blends leadership skill development with a deeper understanding of our community,” said Stephanie Hanson, Executive Director of Leadership Fauquier. “Together, these elements prepare leaders to address local challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Our alumni are committed to service and to helping Fauquier County thrive.” Each year, dozens of alumni engage in organization-sponsored service projects, volunteer independently, and serve on nonprofit boards.
Alumni consistently report lasting personal and professional impact. One graduate described the program as “a game-changer in my career journey,” while another shared, “Almost daily, I draw upon what I learned in the program, and now have an excellent network in the county.” Others have noted that participation “renewed my love of service to the community” and provided “an invaluable resource to learn about all things Fauquier.”
The program is open to individuals across sectors and career stages who are committed to learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Employers are encouraged to support employee participation as a professional development opportunity that builds leadership capacity and civic understanding.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are open now through May 31.
For additional information about Leadership Fauquier, employer participation, or community partnerships, visit LeadershipFauquier.org.
Founded in 2014, Leadership Fauquier unites professionals from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to deepen understanding of how the county works and to strengthen leadership capacity across the community. Since the first cohort graduated in 2016, the program has built a growing network of alumni who serve Fauquier County as business owners, educators, nonprofit leaders, public servants, and community advocates.
Each year, approximately 20–25 participants are selected for the program. The cohort meets from September through May, participating in a leadership retreat, monthly full-day program sessions, and a county bus tour highlighting Fauquier County’s diverse regions and communities. Program days focus on key systems and challenges, including government and infrastructure, economic and community development, education and workforce development, health and human services, public safety, culture and recreation, and natural resources and the environment. Each cohort completes a class project to benefit the Fauquier County community.
“Leadership Fauquier blends leadership skill development with a deeper understanding of our community,” said Stephanie Hanson, Executive Director of Leadership Fauquier. “Together, these elements prepare leaders to address local challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Our alumni are committed to service and to helping Fauquier County thrive.” Each year, dozens of alumni engage in organization-sponsored service projects, volunteer independently, and serve on nonprofit boards.
Alumni consistently report lasting personal and professional impact. One graduate described the program as “a game-changer in my career journey,” while another shared, “Almost daily, I draw upon what I learned in the program, and now have an excellent network in the county.” Others have noted that participation “renewed my love of service to the community” and provided “an invaluable resource to learn about all things Fauquier.”
The program is open to individuals across sectors and career stages who are committed to learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Employers are encouraged to support employee participation as a professional development opportunity that builds leadership capacity and civic understanding.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are open now through May 31.
For additional information about Leadership Fauquier, employer participation, or community partnerships, visit LeadershipFauquier.org.
Leadership Fauquier
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Stephanie Hanson Executive Director
- February 09, 2026
- 826-212-0354
- Send Email
