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Building a Stronger
Richmond Region Connecting Diverse Leaders and Preparing Them to Serve Learn More
About Us

What is LMR?

Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) is a community leadership development and engagement organization with a mission to strengthen our region by connecting diverse leaders and preparing them to serve.

Created in 1980 as an innovative program to address racial and gender divides in our area’s community leadership, LMR is now a network of 2,000+ members from the business, nonprofit and governmental sectors of our community who have the desire to serve and the ability to lead.

LMR’s role in our region has continued to evolve throughout the years. As regional issues become more complex and our community becomes more diverse, the need to connect, educate and inspire leaders is as critical today as it was in 1980.

Leadership Quest Class of 2018Red swish

About Leadership Quest

Leadership Quest, LMR's unique community leadership program, brings together a diverse group of individuals, and broadens their perspectives on regional issues and nurtures a dedication to inclusion, regional collaboration, and service to the community. This comprehensive ten-month program combines advanced leadership training, exclusive access to influential decision-makers, and strategic networking, empowering individuals to effect lasting positive change in the greater Richmond region. 

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What's Happening at LMR?

LMR Page Turners: A Conversation with Alumni Authors - LMR Alumni Event
When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 • 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where: Flow Zone RVA (Regency Mall)
Author: Julia Torres Barden ('03) · How Could They Not See?: A Memoir about Trauma, PTSD and Resilience

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LMR Page Turners: A Conversation with Alumni Authors - LMR Alumni Event
When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 • 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where: Flow Zone RVA (Regency Mall)
Author: Christopher Rashad Green ('03) · GORILLA: The Manifesting of Rashad - The Awakening

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Purposeful Board Recruitment - Community Workshop
When: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Facilitator: Ryan Ripperton

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Leading Conversations: Best Practices in Facilitation - Community Workshop
When: Thursdys, October 8, 15, 22, 2026 • Time Varies
Where: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
Facilitator: Jonathan Zur ('08)

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Nonprofit Board Essentials - Community Workshop
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 • Noon - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Facilitator: Cheryl Groce-Wright ('15) & Lisa Specter-Dunaway ('96) 

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Board Connector - Community Event
When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Weinstein JCC
Exhibitors: Register by September 15, 2026  

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Can My Nonprofit Engage in Advocacy? - Community Workshop
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Facilitator: Claire Gastañaga, Esq. ('99)

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Nonprofit Lifecycles - Community Workshop
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Facilitator: Cheryl Groce-Wright ('15)

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What Leaders Are Saying

LMR has done a lot for me in my life and career – even though I go all the way back to 1985, I have not forgotten the lessons learned, still cherish the friendships made, and benefit from the sense of commitment and community engagement that the program brought into my life.
Willard Scribner, LMR Class of 1985
Principal & Architect, Scribner Messer Brady & Wade
I was fortunate to become a member of LMR very early in my professional and community life in Richmond. Both the networking and the various forums are as valuable now as they were then to listen and to speak.
Janine Y. Bell, LMR Class of 1992
President & Artistic Director, Elegba Folklore Society
Time and time again, I hear the following from LMR graduates- native Richmonders and those who call the region their new home- 'Without my experiences in LMR, it would have taken me years to develop the appreciation I have for our region's needs.' Indeed, as LMR graduates, we all have acquired the knowledge of Richmond's assets and challenges and can relate readily to the needs of our region, and the resources which exist to address them...
Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, LMR Class of 1997
President & CEO, Moseley Architects
During my class time in LMR, I was elected to Richmond City Council which has given me the opportunity to be engaged in many issues facing our region. I know that so many people affecting change have been a member of LMR and appreciate the concept of servant leadership.
Christopher Allen Hilbert, LMR Class of 2005
Senior Community Housing Officer, Virginia Housing Development Authority
Councilman, Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District
Leadership Metro Richmond played an integral part in my acclamation to the greater Richmond and Virginia communities. I cannot imagine a better introduction, and particularly value my colleague LMR classmates, many of whom I keep in close contact with today. I applaud the LMR for its consistently strong programs, and for keeping a pulse on what is important in our community.
Toni Ardabell, LMR Class of 2012
Associate Chief, Inova Health System
LMR offers tremendous opportunities to learn more about our community and in so doing be better prepared and positioned to build a greater Richmond. I met many terrific and committed community, business, municipality and learning leaders who were generous in sharing their knowledge and experience. The Quest immersion project was one that I'll value and look back on fondly for years to come.
Jean Segner, LMR Class of 2017
Former Group Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement, SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.

Connecting Leaders to Board Service

Leadership Metro Richmond is committed to connecting mission-driven organizations with community leaders who have the ability to lead and the desire to serve. We host biannual Board Connector events and offer individual consulting through our Board Concierge services.

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Society of Leadership Advocates

The Society of Leadership Advocates (SOLA) honors our most generous benefactors, who give $500 or more each year. As a leadership advocate, your donation supports our mission to provide programs and opportunities for community leaders to connect, to gain a deeper understanding of key community issues, and to better serve our region.

Become a Leadership Advocate
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Refer a Prospect

Help Us Recruit Community Leaders
Do you know a passionate community leader in the Richmond Region? Refer them to our Leadership Quest program using this form.
  • Please indicate the candidates pronouns.
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LMR Corporate Partners

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