Lani Hay: LEAD Virginia – An organization that gets it right

When I was selected to be a part of the LEAD Virginia 2011 class, I was excited for what the 2011 educational year had in store for me. Why do you ask? LEAD VIRGINIA is a nonprofit and non-partisan organization that educates proven Virginia leaders about regional differences, opportunities, and challenges across the Commonwealth.

Over the course of several three-day sessions spanning an eight month period held in different regions throughout Virginia, LEAD Virginiaparticipants meet with regional leaders to learn about assets and innovations unique to each region, best practices, and how each region contributes to the whole of the Commonwealth. Whether its learning and discussing different issues that affect the state, or offering solutions to statewide challenges, LEAD Virginia helps bring together the brightest minds in the Commonwealth to help shape Virginia’s future.

LEAD Virginia’s first graduating class was in 2005. The organization currently has over 250 alumni who have completed the program. When there is a problem that needs to be solved or a tough issue to be dealt with, Virginians don’t just idly stand by and let someone else take care of the problem. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and handle the problem ourselves. That’s what LEAD Virginia has been doing since 2005, relying on the Commonwealth’s best asset, the hard working resources of its citizens.

Every Virginian that applies and completes the LEAD Virginia program, does so because they love their Commonwealth and want a brighter and more prosperous future not only for themselves, but for future generations of Virginians. As Virginians, small businesses owners, and entrepreneurs face more and more problems during these difficult economic times, it is important to have organizations such as LEAD Virginia bring together our Commonwealth’s leaders for a common cause, forward progress.

Lani Hay is the founder, president and CEO of Lanmark Technology, headquartered in Virginia. She is a participant in the LEAD Virginia 2011 program.