"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
Making positive differences through communal solutions: Founded in 1993, Leadership Wilson is a nonprofit organization that serves the local community by educating and supporting Wilson County leaders. Each year, approximately 30 participants from business, education, civic, religious and government sectors within the county are provided comprehensive leadership training through experiential learning, daylong seminars, group discussions, field trips and retreats.
Leadership Wilson Executive Director Dorie Mitchell says this approach creates an interactive forum to exchange ideas and discuss mutual interests. “Each class enables participants to analyze and understand important segments of the county, including local and state government, health care, social services, agriculture, business, industry, public safety, education and quality of life.”
Class sessions are all day the first Wednesday of the month, October through May. The 2026-2027 class schedule starts Sept. 17-18, with a mandatory overnight retreat. Tuition is $950 and covers all fees, meals and course materials, as well as the retreat.
A selection committee chosen from the 22-member Leadership Wilson board of directors reviews applications and selects participants.
Through the years, Dorie says group projects from class participants span a variety of topics, ranging from Main Street enhancements, back pack programs, internet safety, book collections and bike trails to senior citizens initiatives, agritourism, emergency bags for children and teacher empowerment. In recent years, class members have supported social awareness, young entrepreneurs and local foster care services. Throughout the years, they've also hosted special events for the community, such as days of kindness.
Current 2026 class members recently toured the new Mount Juliet Police Department headquarters. During their visit, Chief Tyler Chandler shared how the strong, dedicated work of the police team continues to lead to less crime, fewer incidents that impact residents, and ultimately, fewer victims in the community.
Additionally, Dorie says Youth Leadership Wilson provides training and growth opportunities to a cross-section of Wilson County high school juniors through a program that values diversity and recognizes differing leadership styles. Twenty-eight students are selected annually to participate in a program that teaches them about their communities, while they learn valuable leadership skills.
The Youth program is funded by donations, grants and fundraisers, however, Dorie says high school juniors must submit a completed application to their school guidance counselor to be considered for participation in Youth Leadership Wilson.
The annual Leadership Wilson Alumni Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, at the Tuckers Gap Event Center in Lebanon. Tickets are $35 each. The 2026 Reverse Draw will be Monday, July 13; tickets will be available from board members or can be purchased online at LeadershipWilson.com. The reverse draw fundraiser works by purchasing tickets for a chance to win, but instead of drawing a winner, tickets are drawn one-by-one and eliminated. The last ticket remaining in the container wins the grand prize.
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