Leadership Coeur d’Alene
For 41 years, Leadership Coeur d’Alene has stood as the longest-running and most impactful leadership development program of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, preparing individuals to lead with knowledge, purpose, and a deep commitment to community service.
Founded in 1985 by then-Chamber CEO Sandy Emerson, then-committee chair Bob McNabb, and Leadership subcommittee, the Leadership Coeur d’Alene is the longest-running leadership development program in North Idaho. It was created with a clear and enduring mission: to intentionally cultivate informed leaders who understand how their community functions—and how they can help shape its future. Since its inception, Leadership Coeur d’Alene has graduated an average of 25 participants each year, resulting in over 1,000 alumni now serving in leadership roles across business, government, education, nonprofits, and civic organizations throughout North Idaho.
“When we launched Leadership Coeur d’Alene, the vision was to help people truly understand their community—its challenges, its opportunities, and the responsibility that comes with leadership,” Emerson said. “It was always about preparing people to step up and serve.”
Leadership Coeur d’Alene is designed as a year-long, immersive learning experience that provides participants with in-depth knowledge of the community and its leadership ecosystem. The program enhances professional networks, encourages the exchange of ideas, and inspires participants to pursue meaningful service and leadership roles.
At its core, the program seeks to identify individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and provide them with opportunities to broaden their understanding of the community’s complexities and possibilities. Participants engage directly with current leaders, discuss pressing regional issues, and build relationships that extend well beyond the program year.
The program is guided by the Chamber’s Leadership Committee, made up entirely of program alumni who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the program remains relevant and impactful.
“Leadership Coeur d’Alene is intentionally designed to challenge participants to think beyond their own industries or organizations,” said Dani Carlson, Chair of the Leadership Committee. “The goal is for participants to leave the program with a well-rounded understanding of our community and the confidence to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.”
Participants commit one full day each month to explore the industries and systems that shape the region, including Government & Transportation, Media, Environment & Natural Resources, Arts & Recreation, Economic Development, Law & Public Safety, Healthcare, Education, and Philanthropy. Each day blends classroom-style learning with site visits, behind-the-scenes tours, and hands-on exercises—such as conducting a mock trial during Law & Public Safety Day—to create a truly immersive experience.
A defining component of Leadership Coeur d’Alene is its strong emphasis on service. Each class selects a local nonprofit organization and leads a fundraising or service project to support it—reinforcing the program’s belief that leadership and service go hand in hand.
The Class of 2025 took this commitment to an entirely new level. Rather than focusing on a single organization, the class chose to support a different local nonprofit each month, organizing fundraisers, donation drives, supply collections, and volunteer efforts throughout the year. Their approach allowed participants to make a broader impact while gaining firsthand insight into the diverse needs of the nonprofit sector.
“This experience changed how I view leadership,” said Cole Coba, President of the graduating class of 2025. “Giving back throughout the year—not just once—made the lessons real. It reminded us that leadership is about showing up consistently for your community.”
The Chamber is excited to celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Coeur d’Alene Class of 2025 in February 2026, recognizing a cohort that exemplified innovation, generosity, and service. The next class will begin its journey on March 5, as Leadership Coeur d’Alene continues a nearly four-decade tradition of developing leaders who are informed, engaged, and committed to strengthening the community they serve.
