Lead Tucson
About our Lead Tucson Flagship Class
Since 1980, GTL has graduated over 1,200 participants and expanded their leadership pursuits. Lead Tucson classes are designed to help participants step more strongly into leadership roles and become change agents in our community. We accomplish our goals by offering a breadth of knowledge on topics of importance to our region and cultivate identifiable leadership competencies. One Thursday of each month, the class meets for an issue day that focuses on one specific topic.
Flagship Class Issue Days
Each issue day is designed to engage participants in relevant community and regional issues; connect them with political, community, and business leaders; and encourage them to implement community and individual leadership practices. Our curriculum is comprised of expert presentations, group discussions, location tours, field immersion experiences, and a class project. GTL class participants cultivate leadership competencies including visionary thinking, responsiveness, courage, accountability, innovation, motivation, collaboration, ethics, and influential communication. The ten-month program is held once a month during work hours from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Issue day topics include IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Government, Education, Economic Development, Arts & Culture, Justice & Public Safety, Healthcare, Border & Immigration, and Environment. We wrap up in June with Call to Action Day, where class members synthesize what they have learned and commit to their personal leadership plans.
Lead Tucson our Flagship Program
In August 2025, Greater Tucson Leadership will welcome the Lead Tucson Class of 2026, launching another year of transformative leadership development.
This is more than just a program—it’s your chance to connect, grow, and lead alongside the changemakers shaping Tucson’s future. As part of this once-a-year opportunity, you’ll join a network of over 1,200 alumni spanning business, government, non-profits, and public service—a community of leaders making a real impact.
For over 40 years, GTL has been at the forefront of strengths-based leadership development, cultivating bold, adaptive, and community-driven leaders. We’re looking for a diverse group of emerging and established leaders ready to embark on a year-long journey of professional growth, personal discovery, and powerful connections.
Have questions? Check out our Lead Tucson FAQ or reach out to our team at [email protected]. Let’s build a stronger Tucson—together.
Class Leadership Award
The Ronald L. Kurth Award for Leadership was established in 1995. The late Brigadier General Kurth was a former Commander of the Arizona Air National Guard 162nd Fighter Wing stationed at Tucson International Airport. The award is presented to an individual from the GTL Adult Leadership class and is based on the recipient’s past service to the Tucson community and dedication to effecting positive changes in Tucson and Southern Arizona in the future. The award is in keeping with the philosophy of General Kurth who believed, “It’s not how far you go in life that counts, it’s what you leave behind.”
Click here for a list of past Kurth Award honorees!
Demographics
At Greater Tucson Leadership we strive to recruit participants that reflect the Tucson Community. These are the demographics of the Lead Tucson Class of 2026.0% Non-binary
Age7% Multiple ethnicity / Other
Sexual Orientation:SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
By aligning your organization with GLT and supporting its endeavors, you become part of a collective effort to improve Tucson's overall quality of life. You will get to interact with influential individuals in a unique way who play a significant role in shaping the community and leaders who are on the rise. Your involvement will bring about positive change, whether addressing social issues, promoting education, fostering economic growth, or advocating for environmental sustainability.
Click here for Lead Tucson Sponsorship Opportunities.
Contact GTL Development Manager, Jamie Leon-Guerrero at [email protected] or (520) 445-5059 to set up a meeting.
