Leadership Metro Richmond | Connect. Educate. Engage.

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.

What's Happening at LMR?

Quest Recruitment Webinar
April 7, 2020 @ 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Watch Recording

Lora M. Robins Speaker Series
Postponed - New dates pending

Fall Board Connector
More information coming soon

Lora M. Robins Speaker Series

Community leaders have the desire and charge to increase opportunities for families and children, yet often efforts are dampened by systemic inequities based on race, gender and economic status. These are not issues of the past. This year our Speaker Series will present three nationally known thought leaders who will share their perspectives on racial and class inequities.

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About Leadership Quest

Leadership Quest, LMR's flagship program, connects a diverse group of community leaders, increases their knowledge and perspectives on regional issues and inspires them to embrace inclusion, collaboration, and servant leadership. Through this ten-month program, which includes leadership training, access to high-impact decision-makers, and networking opportunities, individuals develop the necessary framework to make a positive and lasting impact in the greater Richmond region.

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Refer a Prospect

What Leaders Are Saying

"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.

"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

"I was significantly involved in the community and I have remained since graduating from LMR. I've enjoyed being able to say I graduated from LMR. I have stayed involved with my 2010 class most recently volunteering together at the Food Bank."

Penny McPherson, LMR Class of 2010

, Former VP & Senior Community Development Officer, Wells Fargo

"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."

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Christopher Allen Hilbert, LMR Class of 2005

, Senior Community Housing Officer, Virginia Housing Development Authority
Councilman, Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District

"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

"The LMR experience provided me with insight into Greater Richmond's global issues and introduced me to a network of business and government leaders who I can partner with to address these issues."

Thom Gelozin, LMR Class of 1997

, Chief Financial Officer, Central Virginia, Better Business Bureau

"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

"LMR provided an opportunity to gain leadership skills, understand the importance of community involvement, and to interact with and learn from community leaders."

Linda Jackson-Shaw, LMR Class of 1985

, Former Human Resource Director, Department of Juvenile Justice, Commonwealth of Virginia

"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

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.

Get Connected

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

Corporate Partners

Become a Sponsor