Leadership Kenosha was launched in September 1998 with the first class of participants graduating in May 1999. The idea for a community leadership program rose from the need to develop emerging leaders in Kenosha. The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, led by Patrick Guard, formed a steering committee to develop a “hands-on” program that would build leadership skills as well as provide an overview of the community and its assets.
From the beginning the core foundation for the program has consisted of three components: development of leadership skills, enhancement of awareness of community issues, and participation in small group community projects.
Over the last two decades hundreds of individuals have graduated from Leadership Kenosha. Alumni have gone on to serve in numerous leadership roles in Kenosha County including Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, Kenosha Unified School District Board, Nonprofit Directors, and Service Club Presidents.
2024-25 Steering Committee
Marisa Markowski, Chair (LK2021)
United Way Kenosha
LaVetta Arrington, Co-Chair (LK2023)
Harvest Home Assisted Living
Robert Niccolai, Secretary (LK2018)
First American Bank
Amber Elizabeth, Imm. Past Chair (LK2020)
Westwords Consulting
James Beller (LK2023)
Kenosha Police Department
Kaila Bingen
UW-Parkside
Cory Brennan (LK2024)
Kenosha Police Department
Maggie Campbell (LK2024)
UW-Parkside
Laura Ervin (LK2022)
Kenosha County Child Support Services
Amy Garrigan (LK2017)
UW-Parkside
Brianna Meyers (LK2023)
CCB Technology
Rob Moore (LK2023)
4D Business Group
Jacqueline Morris (LK2006)
Gateway Technical College
Linda Noyce (LK2021)
Kenosha Public Library
Jason Rampa (LK2023)
United States Navy
Dyisha Smith (LK2024)
Ocean Spray Cranberries
Dave Strash
Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce
Chris Szolyga (LK2024)
Carthage College
Holly Thomas Pobiecke (LK2021)
Gartner
Marketing/Recruitment & Fundraising
Recruits participants and markets Leadership Kenosha as a leadership training opportunity to individuals, employers and organizations. Raises funds for participant scholarships.
Amber Elizabeth, Co-Chair
Marisa Markowski, Co-Chair
LaVetta Arrington
Cory Brennan
Maggie Campbell
Linda Noyce
Holly Thomas Pobieke
Policy & Procedure
Develops guiding policies for the efficient and effective operation of the Leadership Kenosha program.
Robert Niccolai, Chair
Cory Brennan
Brianna Meyers
Jason Rampa
Dave Strash
Alumni & Graduation
Works to foster continual involvement of Leadership Kenosha alumni.
LaVetta Arrington
Maggie Campbell
Amber Elizabeth
Marisa Markowski
Robert Niccolai
Linda Noyce
Dyisha Smith
Program
Assists with the development of the monthly program content for Leadership Kenosha participants.
Jacqueline Morris, Chair
LaVetta Arrington
Laura Ervin
Brianna Meyers
Jason Rampa
Chris Szolyga