Lead Tucson
About our Lead Tucson Flagship Class
Since 1980, GTL has graduated over 1,500 participants and expanded their leadership pursuits through our flagship program, Lead Tucson. Participants gain an in depth look at the issues facing our community through a locally tailored leadership training, taking a deep dive exploration of national issues through a local lens, hearing perspectives from Academic, Industry and Cultural Leaders across Southern Arizona. Our leadership training is based in the Gallup CliftonStrenghts, to help you gain a deeper understanding of your natural talents and how to leverage them to become a more effective leader.
This is more than just a program, it’s your chance to connect, learn, and lead alongside the changemakers shaping Tucson’s future. As part of this once-a-year opportunity, you’ll connect with a diverse cohort of 40 emerging and established leaders spanning business, government, education, non-profits, and public service sectors to embark on a journey of professional growth, personal discovery, and powerful connections.
Flagship Class Issue Days
Each monthly Issue Day is designed to immerse participants in the people, places, and challenges shaping Southern Arizona. Through expert speakers, candid conversations with community, business, and civic leaders, immersive behind-the-scenes experiences, and meaningful small-group discussions, participants gain a deeper understanding of our region while developing the skills to lead positive change.
Throughout the ten-month program, participants explore key topics including Government, Education, Economic Development, Arts & Culture, IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility), Justice & Public Safety, Healthcare, the Border, and the Environment. Each session combines leadership development with a comprehensive look at the issue of the day, equipping participants to think critically, collaborate across perspectives, and lead with their unique strengths.
Lead Tucson meets on the second Thursday of each month from September through May, with sessions held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a different location throughout the community based on the Issue being discussed. For example on Justice & Public Safety Day we might meet at the 911 Call Center or Education Day might meet at Pima Community College. We will also travel as a group to Nogales once a year to discover how Border Issues impact our community.
The program culminates in a Call to Action Day, where participants reflect on their learning, strengthen their leadership vision, and identify meaningful ways to serve their organizations and community. Whether through nonprofit board service, civic engagement, volunteer leadership, or creating positive change in the workplace, Lead Tucson graduates leave prepared to make a lasting impact.
Lead Tucson Timeline
Have questions? Check out our Lead Tucson FAQ or reach out to our team at [email protected].
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
Age
7% 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.
