WHEREAS, Lead Virginia was founded in 2005 as a visionary, nonpartisan, and not-for-profit statewide program to cultivate and connect a diverse group of leaders across the Commonwealth to broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of Virginia’s diversity and complexity, and enable them to strengthen the fabric and future of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, each year, Lead Virginia brings together a competitively selected, elite cohort of approximately 60 accomplished leaders from a broad spectrum of sectors, including private industry, education, government, nonprofit, the arts, the military, and philanthropies, uniting them in a shared mission to explore Virginia’s statewide and regional opportunities, challenges, and pathways for success; and

WHEREAS, the Lead Virginia program immerses these leaders in a year-long analysis of critical issues such as the economy, education, and health, offering invaluable insights through the shared experience of six intensive monthly sessions hosted in regions across Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Lead Virginia fosters unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, equipping participants to develop innovative and compassionate solutions to address Virginia’s most pressing needs while honoring the rich diversity and unique strengths of each region; and

WHEREAS, over the past two decades, Lead Virginia has cultivated a transformative network of 1,000 class members and alumni who continue to build lasting social capital, nurturing trust-based relationships that ignite collaboration and drive meaningful change for the betterment of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, these exceptional alumni are currently serving in influential roles at local, regional, and statewide levels, with many earning gubernatorial appointments to key boards and commissions, exemplifying the program’s profound impact through service in action; and

WHEREAS, Lead Virginia has left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth through its invaluable legacy of excellence, innovation, and service as an award-winning program that has significantly strengthened the fabric and unique spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize the 20^TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEAD VIRGINIA in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.