Leadership Barry County

Linking the community together

opening-outside

About Us

Who We Are

Leadership Barry County offers established and emerging leaders a unique opportunity to be part of a group that comes together to develop their professional and personal leadership skills; learn about Barry County through discussion and firsthand experience; and build relationships with others.

Our roots reach back to 1989 when the W.K. Kellogg Foundation issued a grant to Michigan State University extension offices for leadership and local government education. Out of that grant, Leadership Barry County became the pioneer rural leadership program in southwest Michigan.

Growth does not stop with the program. Over the past 28 years, our network has grown to almost 500 program graduates. These alumni are offered continued opportunities to keep learning and connecting throughout West Michigan. Leadership Barry County also provides broader services to the community, such as workshops on running for public office and serving as a point of connection between non-profit organizations and potential board members. 

Our History

  • 1989

    The Need

    In 1989 The W.K. Kellogg Foundation identified 9 counties in West Michigan as a growth area. They determined there was a need for intentional leadership development and training.

  • 1990

    First Class

    1990 was the first leadership class in Barry County “Leading Into the 90’s” sponsored by MSU Extension, Thornapple Foundation (now the Barry Community Foundation) and W. K. Kellogg Foundation was led by Jan Hartough.

    The program began with a shoestring budget of just a few thousand dollars. The Thornapple Foundation recognized that the effort needed more funding and gave its largest grant for that time of $10,000.

    The Leadership curriculum was developed over the next several years. The program had a very future-oriented focus and the partnership with the MSU Extension provided access to many resources and cutting-edge speakers.

  • Late 1990's

    Grant Awarded

    In the late 1990s, the Barry Community Foundation awarded a substantial grant to the program to assist in establishing a stream of operating funds. While many different avenues were explored, partnerships evolved with Michigan State University Cooperative Extension, Kellogg Community College, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, and the Barry County Chamber of Commerce. Strong partnerships and relationships have been created throughout the years, and that has remained one of Leadership Barry County’s strengths.

    In addition to Jan, directors of the program over the years have included Sandi Drummond, Patti Oakland, Kathy LaVictor, Nancy Goodin, Dana Rittenburg, Jennifer Richards DeVault, and Sarah Alden

  • 2008

    Barry Community Foundation Partnership

    In 2008, we entered into a partnership with the Barry Community Foundation. This partnership allowed a Barry Community Foundation employee to roll Leadership into part of her job responsibilities This created efficiencies in office space and resources.

  • Today

    Now

    LBC has over 500 alumni of the program! We continue to develop and link leaders in the Barry County community while adding content to adjust to an ever-changing world.