North Lake Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program Celebrates 2026 Graduates

Exceptional group of emerging and established leaders recognized for their commitment to strengthening the region through service, collaboration, and civic engagement

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (June 23, 2026) – This year, the North Lake Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program turned out 29 exceptional graduates representing a wide variety of industries, agencies, and organizations within the local community. Each participant who completed the award-winning program broadened their understanding of the region and its issues, challenges, and opportunities while developing and honing their leadership skills.

2026 Graduates:

“Since 2004, the North Lake Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program has graduated over 500 local individuals who continue to challenge themselves, serve our community, and elevate the work of their employers,” said Kimberly Brown, North Tahoe Chamber executive director. “Over the past six months, the emerging leaders who participated in the 2026 program built and honed their leadership skills while finding new ways to give back, collaborate, and participate in civic engagement.”

This year’s program included the transformation of the class project component. Rather than developing hypothetical community projects, participants partnered directly with six local nonprofit organizations to work on real initiatives addressing current community needs. The new approach created immediate and meaningful impact, providing valuable support to Truckee Roundhouse, Friends of the Truckee Library, Tahoe Truckee School of Music, the Donner Summit Association, Kidzone Museum, and the Tahoe Truckee Workforce Housing Agency while allowing participants to experience firsthand the power of leadership in action.

Additionally, a sixth program day was added to connect participants with nonprofit leaders and showcase opportunities to serve on boards, committees, and volunteer initiatives throughout the region. This enhanced curriculum provided participants with a deeper understanding of how they can continue making an impact long after graduation.

“Our 2026 graduates join a growing network of leaders committed to making a positive difference in the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee community,” said Jessica Penman, Truckee Chamber president and CEO. “Their dedication and commitment to fully participating in the program demonstrated that leadership is most impactful when it moves beyond ideas and creates meaningful results that strengthen the region for everyone.”

Program leaders report the success of the program would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance of Autumn Lincoln, Kate Frankfurt, and Susan Giacobazzi, who helped facilitate the leadership development curriculum and inspired participants throughout their leadership journey. Special appreciation is also extended to the many community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and business executives, who generously shared their expertise and experiences. Their contributions helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region and reinforced the importance of collaborative leadership.

The North Lake Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program is a partnership between the North Tahoe Chamber and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation acting as fiscal sponsor managing the program’s financial administration and helping ensure its continued success.

Learn more about the North Lake Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program at tahoetruckeeleadership.com.

About the North Tahoe Chamber

The North Tahoe Chamber, whose purpose is to cultivate collaborative partnerships, serve as an engaging catalyst, and drive economic impact, has supported a vibrant business community and enhanced the quality of life for North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors since 1954. The Chamber’s priorities, developed in collaboration with the Business and Chamber Advisory Committee and the Kings Beach District Advisory Committee, include economic development, advocacy, business services, community vitality, visitor engagement, and workforce development to benefit local businesses and their employees. Using tourism revenues generated by the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID), these priorities are realized through robust member benefits. Learn more and become a member at northtahoechamber.com.

About the Truckee Chamber

The Truckee Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization representing more than 500 businesses and organizations committed to the economic vitality and long-term success of the Truckee region. Guided by its mission to make a positive difference in the community, the Chamber advances its work through three strategic pillars: Advocate for Business, Bolster Economic Vitality, and Cultivate Community Connection.

The Chamber serves as a trusted voice for the local business community, advocating for policies and initiatives that support a healthy business climate and sustainable economic growth. Through workforce development programs, business resources, leadership development, community events, and strategic partnerships, the Chamber works to strengthen Truckee’s economy while preserving the community character and sense of place that make Truckee unique. By bringing together businesses, community leaders, nonprofits, and government partners, the Chamber helps create opportunities that benefit local employers, residents, and the greater Truckee-Tahoe region.