Leadership Program Keeps Reno + Sparks, NV, Connected, Growing Strong 

iStock.com / Jacob Boomsma

For 40 years, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Leadership Program has been a cornerstone of professional and civic development. The popular program has produced more than 1,100 graduates, including business executives, elected officials and community influencers. As the region continues to evolve and grow, the need for strong, well-connected leaders is paramount, and the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce is helping meet that need in ways that will positively shape the region’s future. 

Constant Contact  

“One of the greatest things about this program is the connectivity. The participants are the people who are going to lead and run organizations, and through this program, they meet one another and stay connected throughout their careers,” says Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce. “The president of our university went through the program. Our elected officials have gone through the program. The program has a great reputation in the community for being an opportunity to meet and engage with emerging leaders who will ultimately determine our future.” 

The Annual Leadership Program is an immersive experience, spanning five months with one full day session each month. Through workshops, tours and networking events, participants engage with key decision-makers, from government officials to corporate executives. 

“It’s a great opportunity for people to learn firsthand — whether it’s the district attorney, the mayors of Reno and Sparks or the head of a large organization like Tesla — what leadership is all about,” Silver says. 

Courtesy of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Thriving Through Involvement

Olivia Gil-Guevara, business travel sales manager for Grand Sierra Resort and a 2024 Annual Leadership Program class member, was drawn to the program as a newcomer to the region. 

“I’m new to Reno. I’m originally from San Diego by way of Chicago,” she says. “When I relocated, I thought, ‘How can I hit the ground running? I need to meet local leaders, right?’ So I found the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and I learned about this program and the opportunity it provides for networking.” 

Gil-Guevara says she was most impressed with the group’s guided tour of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. 

“The airport seems so big and vast, but it felt so personal. The professional team shared how it was working to bring in additional flights to the area, which impacts all of our businesses,” she says. “I also discovered that our community leaders are not so difficult to access. I really can pick up the phone or email someone, and they’ll meet with me.” 

Courtesy of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Learning To Lead

The program also focuses on personal and professional growth. Gil-Guevara cites one session that was particularly helpful. It addressed the importance of active listening for leaders. 

“I discovered that even though I had strong communication skills, I could still use tips to become an active listener,” she says. “Every speaker shared such valuable insights, and it was crucial to absorb that information and engage in meaningful dialogue.” 

Beyond personal growth, the Annual Leadership Program strengthens the ties between industries and civic institutions. Ravyn Smith, senior vice president of marketing and development for United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, found the direct engagement with experts particularly impactful. 

“We weren’t just talking with professors; we were talking with people actively shaping our region,” she says. “These are actual leaders in their fields, actual experts on every single topic.” 

Courtesy of Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Community Service

Like Gil-Guevara, Smith was especially impressed with the session that focused on key issues like conflict resolution and communication. 

“I learned how to manage difficult conversations and how self-awareness plays a role in leadership,” she says. “It reinforced the importance of using every element of who you are to build long-term relationships.” 

One of the biggest takeaways for Smith was the need for cohesion as the region continues to grow. 

“Even though we all live together, we’re becoming more siloed in our industries and focus areas. That’s to the detriment of the ‘Biggest Little City’ mindset,” she says. “As we’re growing, we really need to keep connected to one another and to things that are happening outside of our particular industry or our particular business. The Reno + Sparks Chamber’s Leadership Program is a great way to condense that connection and that education into a program that an executive can consume.” 

Annual Leadership Program Topics

The annual leadership program began in 1985. Here are some past topics:

• Infrastructure 
• Economic development 
• Transportation 
• Health and wellness 
• Education 
• Arts and culture 
• Social services 
• Criminal justice 
• Civics 
• Public safety