Who is Leadership Seacoast?
Founded in 1988 by a group of seacoast community members concerned about furthering engagement in the community, Leadership Seacoast is a program designed for the adult learner that creates a core awareness of community through exposure to a broad range of issues affecting the Seacoast and by presenting varied points of view on topics being studied.
Annually, Leadership Seacoast accepts a diverse group of established and emerging leaders to participate in its seven-month community leadership program. Regional issues are examined through the perspectives of experts, on-site visits, readings, discussion groups, problem-solving exercises, and other experiential activities.
Participants explore and examine key issues impacting the cultural, social, political and economic lives of Seacoast residents. Graduates of the program leave with an expanded awareness of the issues impacting the Seacoast region, a network of leaders who can support each other in building a stronger community, and a demonstration of the interconnectedness of the topics covered during the program year.
A Learning Program for Engaged Citizens
Leadership Seacoast is a seven-month experiential learning program for those who want to discover how their communities function and how they can become a positive catalyst for change.
Behind-the-scenes View of the Seacoast Community
Through dynamic, transformational programming, we offer participants the chance to experience things most people can’t or won’t. The program is a behind-the-scenes exploration of the places, programs, influencers, and experts who power the Seacoast community. Program highlights include ten interactive days spent exploring community issues and themes around justice, education, economic development, government, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture.
Motivating Leaders Since 1988
Leadership Seacoast challenges assumptions and transforms traditional thinking, leaving participants empowered and motivated to lead within their communities.
Our Staff
Lori Waltz
Executive Director
Driven by the passion to elevate our collective understanding of human connection and empowering individuals through community engagement, Executive Director of Leadership Seacoast, Lori Waltz has led nearly 200 people in the Seacoast Region through the nonprofit’s flagship program designed to discover, connect, and inspire. With two decades of experience in both the business and nonprofit sector, Lori is committed to making a lasting positive impact in the community. She is an intuitive, compassionate, and engaging leader who aims to develop the programs participants knowledge, awareness, and inspiration to become impactful community leaders.
Our Committees
Alumni
Co-Chairs: Jessica Parker and Darcie LeTendre
The Alumni Committee provides opportunities for Leadership Seacoast alumni to remain informed of issues affecting the seacoast and to inspire active participation in the Seacoast Community.
Admissions
Chair: Paul Neve
This committee is responsible for recruitment, review, and nomination of a broad and diverse group of candidates.
Programs
Chair: Joe Tarr
The Program Committee works closely with the Executive Director to develop program days that support the mission of Leadership Seacoast.
FY 2024 Board of Directors
Members of the Board of Directors of Leadership Seacoast are all proud graduates of the program. In selecting members of our Board, we strive for geographic diversity, a balance of men and women, a wide range of interests and points of view, and varying industry.
Chair
Ben VanCamp, Durham – Class of 2018
Chief Collaborator & President
The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth
Vice Chair
Vice Chair Erica Crosbie – Class of 2020
Corporate Learning & Development Specialist, FedPoint
Treasurer
Sam Rose, Epping – Class of 2020
VP & Office Manager
Cambridge Trust Company
Secretary
Jessica Parker – Class of 2019
Development Director, Hope on Haven Hill
Travis Billingham, Hampton – Class of 2021
Owner
Seacoast HomePros
Jay Childs, Portsmouth – Class of 2012
Owner/Director
JBC Communications
Shelley-Ann Cullen, Danville – Class of 2023
Portfolio Manager
Bank of New Hampshire
Lee Frank, Portsmouth – Class of 2010
Development Director
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Darcie LeTendre, Ogunquit, ME – Class of 2021
Manager LAD Operations
Symetra
Zac Little, Rollinsford – Class of 2019
Corporate Communication Administrator
Kennebunk Savings Bank
Paul Neve, Eliot, ME – Class of 2021
Human Resources Business Partner
Novocure
Ryan Pope, Hampton – Class of 2022
Housing Navigator
City of Dover
Doug Smith, Saco, ME – Class of 2023
Social Responsibility Administrator
Kennebunk Savings Bank
Chris Strong, New Castle – Class of 2004
Principal
Strong Resource Group
Joe Tarr, Portsmouth – Class of 2020
Senior Account and Relationship Manager
Finastra