What our alumni are saying

County Supervisor Shirlee Zane

"I would highly recommend (LSR) to both current and future leaders that want to make an imprint on Sonoma County."

County Supervisor Shirlee Zane

Class XIV
Willie Tamayo

"The experience and the relationships which I forged through my participation (in LSR) have proven to be invaluable."

Willie Tamayo

Class XIII
Bill Arnone Jr.

"Completion of the LSR program is equivalent to receiving a graduate degree in the subject of Sonoma County."

Bill Arnone Jr.

Class XIII
Adam Peacocke

"Having been born and raised in Santa Rosa I figured I had a good understanding of our community. My experience in Leadership Santa Rosa showed me just how much more there was to know. Our community is special in a multitude of ways, but without the type of leadership and relationship that resources like LSR foster we will not be able to see our community flourish. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to be part of Leadership Santa Rosa and to be part of a group of people who truly care about seeing the very best future for Santa Rosa."

Adam Peacocke

Class XXVI
Chuck McPherson

"Everyone goes into LSR with a notion of what the outcome might be. The funny thing is that no one is prepared for what actually comes out of the experience once having gone through LSR. The learning of Sonoma County becomes the bi-product of the incredible people and relationships that bond the class(s) together. Instead of Leaders of the community, LSR is a demonstration of leaders within the community. Learning, bonding, giving back and taking action is what LSR represents to me."

Chuck McPherson

Class XXIV
Dale Miller

"The LSR experience is one of the most fulfilling of my adult life.  I say “is” because the experience continues.  The relationships, insights, opinions, as well as, occasional frustrations fold me into that loosely knitted quilt of community leadership.  Some graduates launch political careers, some more readily share talents with non-profits, some expand their businesses, some develop new businesses.  As a graduate, my growth continues through the vicarious success of my LSR colleagues while allowing me to contribute in new and creative ways that I simply didn’t recognize before."

Dale Miller

Class XXV
J Mullineaux

"Through Leadership Santa Rosa, I learned about the breadth and depth of resources in Sonoma County.  I became better educated about the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.  I felt very privileged to meet the most influential decision-makers from the Court room to the Board room, from the dairy farm to the emergency room.   Through this program I was able to increase my network of contacts substantially.  I also gained some new friends who will be part of my life forever."

J Mullineaux

Class XXVI
Jeremy Little

"The LSR program provided incredible insight to many facets of our city.  The education was just as valuable as the friendships forged not only within my class but with the other LSR classes.  My favorite part of the program was during the second year while putting leadership techniques gleaned from the first year to work by presenting a day and working closely with my LSR classmates to make that day a success!"

Jeremy Little

Class XXVI
Laura Jensen

"I found my experience in Leadership Santa Rosa to be invaluable. To interact with a group of engaged, dedicated business people each month was truly a delight. Rarely does one find the same level of commitment in the business environment. I've lived in Santa Rosa for sixteen years and learned more about our city during my experience in LSR. While I was in LSR and since I've graduated I am absolutely more interested in our city and it's goings on than before. I am committed to LSR and will forever promote the program to everyone who will listen."

Laura Jensen

Class XXVII
Michael Cook

"My experience with the Leadership Santa Rosa program was extraordinary:  the connections, friends, and things that I learned all helped with a growing my connection with Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma.  The amazing personal connections that were made over the short period of the class will continue throughout the rest of my professional career!  Also being involved with the LSR Alumni Association continues to build those relationships and build many more.  The best professional program that I have ever been through and is not one that you want to miss!"

Michael Cook

Class XXVI
Nancy Manchester

"My experience with the Leadership Santa Rosa program was extraordinary:  the connections, friends, and things that I learned all helped with a growing my connection with Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma.  The amazing personal connections that were made over the short period of the class will continue throughout the rest of my professional career!  Also being involved with the LSR Alumni Association continues to build those relationships and build many more.  The best professional program that I have ever been through and is not one that you want to miss!"

Nancy Manchester

Class XXV
Chief Tom Schwedhelm

"I really enjoyed and benefited from my experience in Leadership Santa Rosa.  I appreciated getting to know my fellow classmates who brought a diversity of points of view to our discussions regarding many critical issues facing Santa Rosa and our region.  I also learned much more about our community as each session was presented.  For me, LSR was definitely an educational program that helped prepare me for my current role with the City of Santa Rosa.  I’d recommend it to everyone wanting to learn more about their community and how they can improve the quality of life here in Sonoma County."

Chief Tom Schwedhelm

Class XIX