LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A Program for Emerging Leaders

Beginning in 2004, the Union County Chamber Leadership Institute (UCCLI) has offered countless professionals an experience of hands-on education and networking

The program has five main objectives:

  • Exposure to key issues affecting residents and businesses in Union County
  • Exposure to influential leaders in business and government in Union County
  • Networking and building relationships with 25 professionals throughout the ten-month class
  • Hands-on education and experiences through planning a class session and completing a quality-of-life research project
  • Increase knowledge of leadership traits and identifying personal leadership styles

Leadership Students should have high standards of personal quality and integrity, respect, responsibility, reliability and a sincere interest in community issues.

Throughout the ten month program, Leadership Students are empowered to be an integral part of the class day planning process and, therefore, enabled to be visionary and active leaders in the community as they explore critical issues with knowledgeable speakers, effective facilitators and a variety of experimental activities. Leadership Students are also required to complete a community-directed research project aimed at affecting the quality of life in Union County

ELIGIBILITY/SELECTION

The Union County Chamber Leadership Institute solicits applications from Chamber members, businesses both private and public, from Union County, or their associates. Nominations are received and class members are selected on their own merits.

Organizations nominating possible students must consider their candidate to:

  • possess high standards of personal quality and integrity;
  • demonstrates an interest in community issues and a willingness to serve the community;
  • displays a record of achievements that indicates his/her leadership ability; and
  • lives and/or works in Union County

DIRECTOR

Brian Distanko is the Director of the Union County Chamber Leadership Institute. He has been the Director since 2022.

Brian is also the Marysville Human Resources Director. He has held that position since 2002. Prior to this, he served 24 years in the United States Air Force.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to live in Union County to participate?

A: One of the goals of the Leadership Institute is to raise leaders who will invest back into our community; therefore, all Leadership Students must live OR work in Union County and intend to remain so in the foreseeable future.

Q: Who should participate in the Leadership Institute?

A: Our desire is to build the capacities of 21st-century leaders. Leadership Students will greatly expand their knowledge and understanding of Union County and will learn how to utilize their leadership skills by getting involved in the community. Students will participate, in and organize, classes where you will learn more about your own leadership skills, as well as meet influential community leaders, learn about the government and school systems, and greatly expand your personal and professional networks.

Q: What if I have scheduling conflicts during some of the sessions? Should I still apply?

A: Absolutely! While attendance and participation are critically important, we also understand Leadership Students have commitments that may take priority throughout the 10-month program. Scheduling conflicts should be addressed with the Leadership Institute Selection Committee during the application process.

Q: What does the program cost?

A: The total cost of the Leadership Institute is $850 for Chamber members and $950 for non-chamber members. Checks are to be made payable to the Union County Chamber of Commerce, attn.: Leadership Institute and should be mailed to 227 E. 5th St., Marysville OH 43040. Full payment must be received by orientation in August.

“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”

Christy Clark

– Andy Smarra, Union County Treasurer
“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”
– Alex Jones, Director of Nursing, Union County Health Department
“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”
– Christy Clark
“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.”
– Mary Sampsel, Retired Union Assistant Engineer

Mary SampselRetired, Union County Assistant Engineer

“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”
– Alex Jones, Director of Nursing, Union County Health Department
“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”
– Christy Clark
“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.”
– Mary Sampsel, Retired Union Assistant Engineer
“I would encourage anyone to participate in the Leadership Institute Class, it is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to network with others in the community, a chance to hear various presenters talk about their business they work for, what they do, and how their business benefits our community both locally and beyond. As with anything, there areQA going to be both positives and negatives, we just hope that the positive outweighs the negative.”

Dan BoschUnion Rural Electric

– Andy Smarra, Union County Treasurer
“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”

Alex JonesDirector of Nursing, Union County Health Department

– Andy Smarra, Union County Treasurer
“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”
– Alex Jones, Director of Nursing, Union County Health Department
“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”
– Christy Clark
“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.”
– Mary Sampsel, Retired Union Assistant Engineer
“I would encourage anyone to participate in the Leadership Institute Class, it is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to network with others in the community, a chance to hear various presenters talk about their business they work for, what they do, and how their business benefits our community both locally and beyond. As with anything, there areQA going to be both positives and negatives, we just hope that the positive outweighs the negative.”
– Dan Bosch, Union Rural Electric
“I would definitely recommend the Leadership Institute. I got to know a lot of great people and learned about the inner workings of the city and county on a variety of topics. I would definitely recommend it. I also was the first class to go through the fire training and that was a blast!”
– Deb Stubbs, Memorial Hospital
“Excellent team-building experience builds social interaction (friends) with other like-minded individuals, it helps build a networking platform and provides an introduction to community leaders. You will be asked to take on leadership roles in the community and most importantly, it builds confidence, confidence, and confidence!”

Andy SmarraUnion County Treasurer

builds confidence, confidence, and confidence!”
– Andy Smarra, Union County Treasurer
“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”
– Alex Jones, Director of Nursing, Union County Health Department
“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”
– Christy Clark
“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.”
– Mary Sampsel, Retired Union Assistant Engineer
“I would encourage anyone to participate in the Leadership Institute Class, it is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to network with others in the community, a chance to hear various presenters talk about their business they work for, what they do, and how their business benefits our community both locally and beyond. As with anything, there areQA going to be both positives and negatives, we just hope that the positive outweighs the negative.”
– Dan Bosch, Union Rural Electric
“I would definitely recommend the Leadership Institute. I got to know a lot of great people and learned about the inner workings of the city and county on a variety of topics. I would definitely recommend it. I also was the first class to go through the fire training and that was a blast!”

Deb StubbsMemorial Health

PAST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GRADUATES

2022-2023 Class

Andres, Ellen      Select Sires
Bennett, Maxwell     Pathways Financial Credit Union
Chapman, Cole     Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Claborn, Dan     Scotts Miracle-Gro
Coffey, Robin     Memorial Health
Fair, Sarah     RE/MAX Revealty
Gaver, Ashley     City of Marysville
Gummel, Jonathan     Richwood Bank
Haavisto, Cindy     Honda Federal Credit Union
Jindra, Jon     Richwood Bank
Lemmon, Lauren     Marysville Public Library
LoParo, Heidi     Marysville Exempted Village School District
Matthews, Doug     Union County Health Department
Nicol, Martin     Union Rural Electric Cooperative
Osborne, Miranda     Memorial Health
Phillips, Jane     TruGreen
Riedel, Mary     MartinCSI
Roebke, David     Memorial Health
Smithey, Collin     North Main Motors & Eda’s Italian Ice
Tackett, Joy     Honda Federal Credit Union
Tomlin, Cole     City of Marysville
Tracey, Valerie     Memorial Health