As Leadership Cattaraugus (LC) enters its 17th year, the leadership program has entered into a new partnership with the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jodi Fuller, president of Leadership Cattaraugus’ Board of Directors, sees a natural fit for the partnership with the chamber and its extensive contacts with businesses and organizations across the county.
“Leadership Cattaraugus is truly excited to expand our collaboration with the GOACC. The Chamber of Commerce was one of the initial partners that created the program and it’s fitting that they assume the program administrator role,” said Fuller.
Administration of LC will be covered by two individuals – Meme K. Yanetsko, Greater Olean chief operating officer, and Erica Dreher, Greater Olean member services manager. The duties are divided into a program position and an administrative assistant position.
“We look forward to working with Meme and her team for many years to come,” said Fuller.
Leadership Cattaraugus is an active, immersive learning experience that welcomes professionals across all business sectors and in all stages of their careers. The 10-month program, which annually welcomes a cohort of 20 to 25 people, is designed to identify future leaders of the area and help them develop the skills they will need to work more effectively for the betterment of all people in Cattaraugus County.
“GOACC is in a great position to help Leadership Cattaraugus with its marketing and advertising as well as fundraising and fostering participant sponsorships, all of which will help Leadership Cattaraugus flourish and grow,” said Yanetsko.
LC halted its in-person programming in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19, but plans are underway to hold its traditional 10-month experiential leadership program beginning in March 2022.
LC was jointly launched in 2004 by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, Jamestown Community College, The ReHabilitation Center (now Intandem), and St. Bonaventure University. JCC had served as the administrator of the program since its inception, but stepped back from that role in January 2021 because it didn’t have the staff to support the administration of LC. The college continues to support the program and the relationship between the entities remains strong.
For more information about Leadership Cattaraugus or to apply for the 2022 cohort, visit www.leadershipcattaraugus.org.