Lewisville Chamber’s Leadership Class Celebrates 40 Years
The value you get from participating in the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Leadership Lewisville program is undeniable. Literally no one walks away questioning its impact on their careers, relationships,
their view of the community around them, or their ability to influence positive change as future leaders.
Leadership Lewisville is truly that popular. But as the program celebrates 40 years this September—it is the longest running active program in the Chamber’s 63-year history—only one question remains unanswered:
Who can unequivocally claim to have been in the best Leadership Lewisville class ever?
Rumor has it that if you ask Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, she’ll say Class No. 1 in 1985.
Ask Christian Community Action President and CEO, Gilbert Montez, and he’ll argue it was Class 35 in 2020. Classmates Randy Canivel and Brian Pardue, among others, will be quick to back him up.
Not to be outdone, DATCU’s Mary Jacoby insists Class 22 in 2007 was the best Leadership Lewisville class ever. The playful debate can go on and on—up to and including the loud and proud voices of everyone from last year’s Class 39.
So, who is right?
“Well, right now, it’s Class 39. They were the most recent class, so I guess they are in the lead for now,” Lewisville Chamber President Lori Fickling said with a laugh.
“That will certainly change in about nine months when Class 40 graduates. Insisting that your class was the best has become a thing, and it is hilarious to listen to different people chime in. To me, that speaks to how much people enjoy it and how quickly they bond with each other. What they want to get out of it is exactly what they get.”
Mary Jacoby agreed, adding, “The guy who ran it for years was the one who started this whole thing. His leadership name was Dizzy Dick. Mine was Marvelous Mary, and he always referred to everybody as the best class. But he was right.
“When you are out there, volunteering, doing projects with people, or you’re on the ropes course with someone you met 30 minutes before, and you’ve got to trust that person, there’s just an experience there that bonds people.
“And because of that, it becomes, ‘Hey, it’s us. We’re awesome, and you’re not.’ It was a special experience for me when I went through it. I can promise you that.”
All banter aside, Leadership Lewisville’s purpose is to help today’s leaders develop and refine their skills, providing them with the tools they need to succeed—not just for themselves and the companies they work for or have built from the ground up, but for the betterment of the community as a whole.
The nine-month program offers a rare and immersive opportunity to see and promote leadership in action. Each class day begins with a focused leadership tutorial from professional speaker and author, Dan Irvin, then shifts into hands-on experiences across the community.
For instance, participants sit down with local nonprofit leaders to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges, tour the county jail, and meet with county commissioners to observe local government in action.
There’s also a one-day trip to the Capitol in Austin squeezed in. They’ll also spend time with first responders and local school district officials, and each class is also tasked with organizing their own legacy project—something they can leave behind that will benefit the community for years to come.
By the end, graduates walk away with sharpened leadership skills, a broader perspective, and meaningful connections that tie them more closely to the fabric of Lewisville.
“I’m always interested to see which session will impact whom the most,” Lori Fickling said. “For some, it might be the jail. For someone else, it might be a local nonprofit we visited that day.
“You have to step back and realize, these people haven’t met the county judge before, spent time volunteering with nonprofits, or toured the Capitol in Austin.
“We know who to reach out to every year, and our community leaders always step up to help us make each class the best it can be. It is fun to watch them learn and grow together and watch each
class unfold.”
Lori said what’s on tap for this year’s Class 40 will undoubtedly be no different.
And by the end of it, they’ll be insisting that they are the best class ever.
Visit the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce’s website to learn more.
