Shawnee Tomorrow is a community leadership development program with a goal to continuously develop individuals with the willingness, desire and capabilities to assume leadership roles within the Shawnee community, Johnson County and the State of Kansas and beyond.
Originally started by the Chamber in 1989, the program provides:
- A unique opportunity to gain access to top business, civic and community leaders who play integral roles in the region
- A behind-the-scenes view of the processes, programs, opportunities and challenges that impact the City, County and State
- An opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and with current community leaders
From January through June, class members participate in educational sessions, tours and candid conversations with community and area leaders. Shawnee Tomorrow’s topics include education, health care, business development, regionalism, city, county and state government.
This highly renowned leadership training program is designed to equip individuals that live or work within the Shawnee area with leadership tools and an understanding of the issues facing the area. The program consists of ten class sessions, each devoted to a specific theme important to our community. Upon completion of the program, participants will have had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the community and the critical issues.
More than 350 individuals have graduated from the program with many serving the community in various elected positions in the city, county and state along with boards and appointed committees of the community.
The Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Program operates under the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
What alumni say about STL:
“I loved learning so many interesting tidbits…how the mill levy is calculated, where the geographic center of the city actually is, how massive and detailed the city’s budget is, etc. Most of all though, it was great having access to current city employees to hear their perspective on existing and future issues. It changed my views on a number of important topics.”
Jason A. Keeler
Class of 2020 (the COVID class)
“The Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership program has been an experience that has allowed me to essentially “peek behind the curtain” of what takes place in the government roles of Shawnee, Johnson County and the state of Kansas and has introduced to me a plethora of leadership positions within these groups. The program has granted me the opportunity to foster relationships with other leaders in the Shawnee community and beyond our town’s borders.“
Brian Roth
Class of 2019
Senior Project Manager – McCownGordon
“It was a privilege to be included in the Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership. It opened my eyes up to all the different programs, services and organizations that make our community great. Shawnee Tomorrow is also an excellent networking opportunity. I was able to build relationships with my classmates and with others in the community that are already helping me in my job. The bond you develop with your class is pretty awesome.”
Julie Breithaupt
Class of 2017
Communications Manager – City of Shawnee
2020 Shawnee Tomorrow Leadership Class
Stephanie Adams, Intrust
Ryan Browning, Kansas Gas Service
Don Cawby, City of Shawnee
Caitlin Gard, City of Shawnee
Travis Gonser, Community America Credit Union
Gretchen Henderson, Johnson County Community College
Jason Keeler, Search Solutions LLC
Raegan Long, City of Shawnee
Jessica Looze, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Cooper McInnes, AdventHealth
Tim Rhodes, Country Club Bank
Steven Rosch, Nabholz Construction
Drew Whitehill, McCownGordon Construction
Adam Wiederholt, Turner Construction Company
Dustin Wolfe, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce