• April 29, 2026 - Applications available
• May 29, 2026 - Application Deadline
• June 8-10, 2026 - In-person Interviews
• June 12, 2026 - Applicants notified of acceptance
• June 30, 2026 - Tuition Payment Due
• July 6, 2026 - Wait-List notifications (if applicable)
• July 22, 2026 - Class Meet & Greet
• August 13-14 - Orientation Retreat (overnight)

Started by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce in 1980, Leadership Fayette strives to empower and encourage a diverse group of existing and emerging leaders that are prepared and committed to serving Fayette County. The program provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their civic knowledge of Fayette County, hone their leadership skills and network with leaders across the community. Leadership Fayette provides a hands-on educational experience with emphasis on economic development and community awareness, focusing on the interdependencies between sectors of the local economy, as well as the interrelationships of a variety of local issues. Participants will receive a better understanding of how our community works, build relationships with the region’s leaders, and will be inspired to apply their talents to serve the community. 

Leadership Fayette prepares the leaders of tomorrow.  In this eight-month program, participants will gain:

• An in-depth view of critical issues facing our community
• Personal leadership skills awareness and development
• Access to opportunities for community involvement
• Opportunities to discuss key issues with community leaders
• New and strengthened relationships with peers

The eight-month program includes a mandatory, overnight orientation retreat and eight (8) full-day sessions. In addition, each candidate will participate in the class project(s), community events, and volunteer opportunities. The upcoming cohort will run from August 2026 - April 2027. Except for the Orientation Retreat, sessions are scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month from 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.  

Local, regional, and state leaders will share their knowledge and perspectives through presentations, interactive sessions, role plays, panel discussions and hands-on activities. Class formats will demonstrate real situations, challenges and opportunities in Fayette County, and participants will gain first-hand experience through behind-the-scenes tours of various public and private facilities. 

• • Class Meet & Greet July 18, 2026 

  • Orientation Retreat (overnight) August 20-21, 2026 

  • Economic Development September 23, 2026 

  • Housing & Sustainability October 21, 2026 

  • Workforce & Education November 18, 2026 

  • Community Connections December 16, 2026 

  • Health & Community Wellness January 20, 2027 

  • Day at the Capitol February 24, 2027 

  • Law Enforcement & Justice Center Day March 17, 2027 

  • Project Presentations & Graduation Dinner April 21, 2027* 

  *May be on two separate dates.  

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Leadership Fayette program. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. 

Participants must attend the mandatory orientation retreat and all monthly sessions. Participants must also commit the time necessary to work with classmates on class projects. 

While we understand that sometimes an absence is unavoidable, a participant may not miss more than one (1) class session and must complete additional enrichment activities to make up for any missed time. 

Leadership Fayette is built on strong fundamental leadership principles. The program commences in August with a mandatory overnight retreat. Class members will participate in team building, leadership-style exploration exercises, and networking activities designed to demonstrate effective leadership. Fundamental background information about the community and an overview of the class projects may be discussed during the retreat. 

The class project serves as a vital component of the Leadership Fayette experience. The project provides participants with an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solving by working in small teams to accomplish a larger mission. The project directly correlates with themes explored during class sessions and is a capstone to the Leadership Fayette class experience.  

Beyond the monthly class sessions, periodic optional opportunities will be provided for additional enrichment of leadership and community knowledge. Examples include a day of optional tours of local industry and attendance at local government meetings. 

• April 28 – May 29 Application process open. Download at www.FayetteChamber.org, pick-up from Chamber office, or request via email: [email protected] 

• May 29, 2026 Application submission deadline (5:00 p.m.) 

• June 8-10, 2026 Candidate interviews (interview times TBD) 

• June 12, 2026 Candidate selection notification 

• June 30, 2026 Tuition payment due 

• July 6, 2026 Wait list notification 

• July 22, 2026 Class Introduction Meet & Greet 

• August 20-21,2026 Mandatory orientation retreat 

Tuition for Leadership Fayette is $1,650 and includes all expenses for the eight (8) monthly sessions, orientation retreat, meals, limited transportation, and graduation. The costs of any optional enrichment of opportunities, if any, are not included. Tuition is expected to be paid in full by June 30, 2026. 

Completed applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:

• Email to [email protected], subject line: LF Application Submission
• Drop off or mail to: Fayette Chamber of Commerce, 600 W. Lanier Avenue, Suite 205, Fayetteville, GA  30214

Questions or requests for further information about Leadership Fayette should be directed to Cereto Bean via email: [email protected]  or phone: 770-461-5946.