Lewis County Leadership Academy

About the Opportunity

The Lewis County Leadership Academy is a transformational ten-month professional development program growing the next generation of business and community leaders in Lewis County. In collaboration with Human Factor Leadership, we've designed a curriculum that includes:

Personalized development based on a behavioral core strengths assessment.
Interactive workshops structured to meet you where you are and get you to where you want to be.
Community immersion to experience the richness of Lewis County and the people within it.

By applying for the Lewis County Leadership Academy, you're entering the competition to become an integral part of a network championing growth in Lewis County.

What's Included
Ten Months of Professional Development	✓
360° View of Lewis County	✓
Behavioral Core Strengths Assessment (Valued at $300!)	✓
Curriculum by Human Factor Leadership	✓
Completion of a SOAR Analysis	✓
Unlimited Networking Potential	✓

$1,000 Investment

$850 Investment for Naturally Lewis Members!

*Payment Plans are Available for Small Businesses.

Apply Now for Class of 2026

Why Invest in Professional Development?

Benefits for Employers

Equip your team with the leadership skills they need to grow and take on new challenges.
Increase employee engagement and retention by investing in their professional development.
Build connections with other businesses and community leaders through a strong local network.
Strengthen your company’s role in the community by supporting employees who are actively involved.

Benefits for Participants

Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that set you apart.
Expand your professional network and connect with local leaders.
Gain a deeper understanding of the community and how you can make an impact.
Open doors for career growth and new opportunities.

Apply Now for Class of 2026

Tuition Assistance

New this year, The Northern New York Community Foundation is partnering with Naturally Lewis to provide tuition support for nonprofit employees applying to the Leadership Academy. Eligible nonprofit employees work for nonprofit organizations based in Lewis County with under 20 employees.

The Northern New York Community Foundation will be choosing the applicants they provide funding to in the 2025-2026 cohort of the Leadership Academy based on the quality of applications.

Indicate if you're seeking sponsorship to the Leadership Academy in your application.

The Curriculum

Topics	Description
Orientation	Welcome Lewis County Leadership Academy participants! This half-day session allows staff to provide an introduction to the Leadership Academy schedule, expectations and a meet & greet with fellow participants. We will introduce our Leadership Academy Partner, Christie Andrus-Nakano with Human Factor Leadership to begin to guide you through your individual behavioral core strengths assessment.
Facilitating Team Success	Participants will travel (transportation provided) to Oswegatchie Educational Center for a day of team building, leadership development, and most importantly - ADVENTURE! The Oswegatchie Educational Center dedicated staff will lead a fun day of team building, leadership discussions and ropes challenges, all while immersed in nature.
Professional Development Sessions	Led by a variety of different facilitators, the class will engage in interactive discussions and professional development topics like strengths based leading, effective communition and being confident as a leader in the community.
History & Agriculture Tour	Enjoy a guided bus tour through the beautiful back roads of Lewis County to learn more about the rich history and the strong agricultural ties in our communities.
Social Determinants of Health	Hear from a panel of Lewis County health professionals regarding issues and opportunities regarding social determinants of health. The class will do a Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop to explore concepts of hidden rules of economic class and unique and sometimes hidden obstacles that individuals from poverty face.
Economic Development	Attend Naturally Lewis's Business Leaders Breakfast to network with business and organizational leaders in the community. Naturally Lewis will provide an educational and interactive session highlighting Economic Development efforts in Lewis County.
Local Government	The Leadership Academy will hear from a panel of Lewis County Legislators and "speed networking" with Lewis County staff members on the role of local government in our communities.
Discover Tug Hill	The Lewis County Tourism Promotion Agency, Discover Tug Hill, will provide a adventurous day in Lewis County! Experience and learn about all the fun things to do here and how it contributes not only to tourism, but to quality of life in Lewis County.
Fort Drum Day	In partnership with the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office, Leadership Academy gets an insider look at Fort Drum activities, interaction with soldiers, and a deeper understanding of how Fort Drum impacts our North Country Region.
Presentations & Graduation	Participants will work in groups on a SOAR analysis project, using the SOAR methodology (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results), to evaluate local organizations, events or initiatives to offer innovative recommendations. The class will present their SOAR project to a Lewis County panel of stakeholders.