Leadership development is a hallmark of the Ulster Chamber Foundation. Its signature program, Leadership Ulster (formerly the Ulster Leadership Development Institute) has served the community since 1993, providing training and mentoring, and interactive sessions with local business, government, and organizational leaders. Program participants are interested in refining or developing their own leadership skills, and many have been identified as emerging leaders within their organizations. James Dyer, Jr. ’25 said of his experience, “To be honest, I was skeptical at the beginning but really found some good messages and techniques I use now on a daily basis.”
Leadership Ulster is an intensive, regionally oriented, leadership development program designed to give potential and emerging leaders the skills, knowledge, and on-going support they need to succeed. This nine-month program challenges individuals from diverse backgrounds to be influential in our region’s future. Participants sharpen their leadership, entrepreneurial, and team-building skills, as well as heighten their knowledge of the region’s business, community, and government sectors.
Since 1993, 508 individuals have graduated from the program. Many Leadership Ulster alumni lead teams in their businesses, government positions, non-profit organizations, and community associations. For more information about the program, or an application for the next cohort, please contact Executive Director, Ms. Su Marcy, 845-338-5100, x6, or visit the links below to download the Leadership Ulster or scholarship application.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 31ST
Want to provide one of your employees or
co-workers with a meaningful professional development experience? Sponsor them!
Want to join, but don’t have a sponsor?
A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying participants through the Len Cane Memorial Scholarship Fund.
View our introductory video here:
The program runs from September through June, starting with a two-day retreat and culminating with a graduation ceremony at the Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Ulster Celebration.
For several decades, M&T Bank has been the program’s sole Presenting Sponsor keeping tuition costs affordable for all.
Thank you to our partners at M&T Bank for your continued support!
Thank you to our returning 2025 Presenting Sponsor Ulster Savings Bank!
Many thanks for all your community support!
The Leadership Ulster Alumni Association offers continued networking, professional development and service recognition programs beyond the intensity of the Leadership Ulster program. The Foundation works to provide ongoing programs and to maintain a network to connect graduates in business, leadership and service positions throughout the region. To join, contact us and check out the Alumni Association Group on LinkedIn!
In the last few years, we have heard from:
Kristin Backhaus, Ph.D., SUNY New Paltz School of Business
Ward Todd, Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce President
Col. David Gagnon ’96, CPA
Tim Hayes, Central Hudson
Derrick Wynkoop, Walden Savings Bank
Steven Kelley ’97, Ellenville Regional Hospital
Paul O’Neill, Ulster County Commissioner of Jurors
Stephanie Turco, MSW, Gateway Hudson Valley
Robbie Tart, Rail Explorers
Darrell Wheeler, Ph.D., SUNY New Paltz President
Kevin Quilty, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley
Dan Whalen, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ulster County
Connie VanKleeck ’16, Sound of Life Radio
Debbie Harris, Best Western Plus
Lisa Berger, Ulster County Tourism
Steve Noble, City of Kingston Mayor
Egidio Tinti, City of Kingston Police Chief
Garry Kvistad, Woodstock Chimes