Each year, LMR welcomes a diverse group of community leaders into its flagship program, Leadership Quest. This ten-month experience blends formal community leadership development, access to high-impact decision-makers, and valuable networking opportunities—equipping participants with the tools to drive lasting change in the greater Richmond region.
Leadership Quest participants bring a wealth of knowledge, lived experiences, and passion as they grow into engaged community leaders committed to sustainable change. Grounded in LMR’s core values, the program features an interactive retreat, expert-led sessions, and hands-on tools for effective leadership and solution-building.
Click here to download a reference copy of the application to prepare and save your essay answers in advance.
Time Commitment
Participants must attend a mandatory overnight opening retreat and are expected to attend the nine seminar days, held once per month. View the program calendar here.
Tuition
$5,000 - Includes educational content, meals, materials, and overnight lodging for a 3-day opening retreat. Tuition Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2026
Tuition Support
Partial scholarships and payment plans are available. To be considered for a scholarship you must complete the scholarship application section included in the program application. You can read more about available scholarships here or contact admin@lmronline.org.
Application Deadline
The online application for the class of 2028, will be available in February 2027. There is a $50 fee to apply.
Selection Notification
Applicants will be notified of their selection into the class by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Why Apply?
- Connect with individuals interested in strengthening communities in the greater Richmond region
- Enhance your community leadership skills
- Deepen your understanding of regional issues and existing collaborations
- Channel your strengths to serve your community
- Join a program that has empowered over 2,000 graduates to lead change across communities, businesses, and nonprofits
Employer Benefits
- Increased employee communication & collaboration skills
- Increased employee knowledge of regional assets and challenges
- Connections to diverse local leaders
- Employees prepared for career advancement
- Continuing education and engagement opportunities for alumni of the program
- Employees can grow their network and circle influence which can establish new connections for your organization
Application & Participation
- Leadership Quest candidates are required to demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to their community.
- You must live or work in the greater Richmond region which includes, Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, and Richmond
- There is no age, academic, or career requirement to apply.
- All accepted individuals must provide written support from their employer, if applicable. If you cannot, please consider re-applying in another year.
- It is important to review your schedule for availability, to confirm that you will be an active and engaged participant in this 10-month program. View the program calendar, here.
Selection Process
Each year, about 60-70 individuals are selected to participate. Individuals who have applied previously are encouraged to re-apply, as acceptance into the Leadership Quest program is a competitive process. Applicants will be notified of class selection via email by the end of June 2025.
Immersion Experience
Each year the Leadership Quest program participants take part in a regional issue immersion and analysis experience using a design thinking approach. Class members are expected to:
The Leadership Quest Class of 2025 researched various regional issue areas for their Immersion Experience and below are their findings and recommendations.
environment
Group Members: Ryan Corrigan, Caroline Day, Catey Dickensheets, Colleen Garrison, Taurik Haddad, Jessica
Jones, Eliza Lamb, Kay Mason, MckenZie Walker, Jerald Williams, Jr.
food insecurity
Group Members: Adam Hohl, Amy Pridemore, Brittani Edwards, Diana Hudgins, Joey Trapani, Julie Hovermale, Kellie Alarcon, Tanya Brackett, Carmen George, Veronica Reid
infrastructure
Group Members: Liliana Castillo, Chris Coates, Wes Dewalt, Aliya Farooq, Kelly Johnson, Trieste Lockwood, Kelly del Campo Merricks, Ida Pierce, Aaron Reidmiller, Nicole Storm and Christina Vida
Healthcare
mental health
Group Members: Denise Carl, Ashley Gibson, Tyenella Hall, Tabitha Martinez, Jacqueline O’Keefe, Thomas Parfitt, Kristy Shaffer, William Thornton, Marquita Whisonant, Vicki YeroianÂ
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Quest Class of 2026
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