The Business Leadership Academy is a regional program for current and emerging leaders, offered in partnership with the Sequim and Port Angeles Chambers and Peninsula College.
The Business Leadership Academy is a regional program designed for current and emerging leaders, offered in partnership with the Sequim and Port Angeles Chambers and Peninsula College. This program was developed in response to a strong need for leadership development, as identified through community surveys, and consistent requests from local businesses. Participants in the Academy will engage with the business community, enhance their leadership skills, and learn from exemplary leaders who drive our region's vitality.
2026 Applications will open in October 2025.
Program Highlights & Benefits:
- Grow and strengthen leadership skills.
- By building your personalized development plan.
- Engage in assessments to learn your strengths and opportunities for growth.
- Increase your knowledge and understanding of the region, leaders, and decision-making processes.
- Personal Network Growth
- Build long-lasting relationships with peers in the 2025 Academy.
- Meet exemplary community leaders who impact our business community.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Tackle a Chamber of Commerce strategic project that benefits our community.
Academy Details
Registration Opens:
October 1, 2024
Academy Duration:
January 31–June 6, 2025
Academy Cost:
$750 per person
Academy Schedule
Session 1: Welcome Session
January 31 • 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Description: Introduction to the program, focusing on strengths-based leadership and creating personalized development plans. Lunch provided.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Guest Speakers: Beth Pratt & Marc Abshire
Location: Peninsula College, Pirate Union Building (PUB), J-47
Session 2: Chamber of Commerce Strategic Project
February 7 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Work on a Chamber of Commerce project to benefit the community.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Guest Speakers: Beth Pratt & Marc Abshire
Location: Peninsula College, Pirate Union Building (PUB), J-47
Session 3: The Challenge of Leading
February 21 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Local leaders share their leadership journeys, focusing on strength development and overcoming challenges.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Guest Panel: Eran Kennedy, Publisher, Sound Publishing; Colleen McAleer, Executive Director, Clallam County EDC; Ed Bedford, Founder, Bedford's Craft Sodas; Bill Hermann, Hermann Brothers Logging & Construction Inc.; Emily Little, Buena Luz Bakery
Location: Peninsula College, Keegan Hall, M-125
Session 4: Visioning and Focus on the Future
March 7 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Learn how leaders create and achieve visions while respecting diverse perspectives.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Location: Online
Session 5: Port Angeles History
March 21 • 1:30–3:30 pm (optional underground tour 4:00-6:00 pm)
Description: Explore the history of Port Angeles and its impact on local industry.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Lecturer: David Brownell, North Olympic History Center & Steve Hargis, PA Visitor Center
Location: Port Angeles Elks Lodge
Session 6: Sequim History
April 4 • 12:30 - 5:00 pm
Description: Understand Sequim’s history and its influence on industry.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Lecturer: David Brownell, North Olympic History Center
Location: Dungeness River Nature Center
Session 7: Leading Change and Risk Taking
April 18 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Explore strategies for embracing change and taking risks to drive innovation.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Lecturer: Rob DeCou
Location: Peninsula College, Pirate Union Building (PUB), J-47
Session 8: The Heart of the Community
May 2 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Discover the role of government and public safety in building a vibrant community.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Guest Speakers: Kate Dexter, Port Angeles Mayor; Matthew Huish, Sequim City Manager
Location: Sequim City Hall, Council Chamber
Session 9: Effective Messaging
May 16 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Develop communication strategies for high-stress situations, including public speaking, media interactions, and de-escalation techniques.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Lecturer: Dr. Suzy Ames
Location: Peninsula College, Pirate Union Building (PUB), J-47
Session 10: Nonprofits in Clallam County
May 30 • 2:30–4:30 pm
Description: Understand nonprofit leadership, board roles, and how nonprofits support the community.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Guest Panel: Christy Smith, United Way; Bruce Skinner, Executive Director, OMC Foundation; Priya Jayadev, Executive Director, Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County
Location: Peninsula College, Pirate Union Building (PUB), J-47
Session 11: Celebration Luncheon
June 6 • 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Description: A joint celebration with Port Angeles and Sequim chambers to honor the cohort’s achievements, with public recognition and certificates awarded.
Facilitator: Christian Bruhn
Location: Peninsula College
Business Leadership Academy Printable Schedule
Resources
Please use the digital application at the top of this page. If needed, you may print the application and submit it to the Community Education Office at Peninsula College's Port Angeles campus.