16 | HUNTSVILLE-WALKER COUNTY , TEXAS 2024--2025
Community Partnerships
Huntsville Leadership Institute ( HLI )
The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce proudly sponsors the Huntsville Leadership Institute ( HLI ) and graduates an average of 20 individuals each year who are eager to serve their community with the knowledge they learned throughout the prior 9 months ! HLI was established to foster the development of community leaders from all segments of the Huntsville / Walker County area , specifically to :
• Promote leadership as a public responsibility
• Identify and develop new and emerging leader candidates for community service and improved business practices
• Encourage communication between current and future leaders
• Fill key community leadership positions with graduates
• Develop a large , active group of graduates
While HLI focuses on leadership , the program also focuses on Community Awareness , Networking and Relationships ! Participants visit various businesses and organizations throughout the year ; learning what makes our community unique to those around us . Relationships are formed instantly and many last a lifetime . Networking is a key part of the experience as well , creating the opportunity for participants to broaden their business relationships as well as personal relationships . HLI class members are led on guided tours of SHSU , HISD , TDCJ Wynne & Huntsville Unit , Trinity River Authority , Huntsville Fire & Police , City Recycling Center , Huntsville Memorial Hospital and the Walker County Jail , as well as tours of several museums and the Sam Houston Statue just to name a few ! Tours of these organizations give class members an opportunity to learn what makes Huntsville a unique and thriving community in which to live , work and play .
The application process begins each summer in June .
“ HLI helped build our foundation of understanding and broadened our perspective , but it also took us down the path of self-discovery .”
— Kirstie Legerski , HLI Class # 34 ; 2017-2018 HLI Chair
“ I think the HLI program is fabulous for networking ; but , also very beneficial for developing leaders to run for public office or just get more involved with the community . It helps people find a good fit for their area of interest in serving the community .”
— Patsy Collins , HLI Class # 35
16 | HUNTSVILLE-WALKER COUNTY , TEXAS 2024--2025