Staff report

A Valley leadership development organization is returning to its independent nonprofit roots after operating under the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber umbrella since 2008.

Citing its growth and plans for added programming, Leadership Mahoning Valley said Tuesday in a news release it is poised to build on its legacy of fostering leadership and civic engagement.

“Thanks to the support of the Chamber, we are now positioned to return to our original strategy of serving as an independent nonprofit organization, while continuing to partner and collaborate with the Chamber, as well as other community organizations and businesses, to continue to build a sustainable base of current and future leaders for the Mahoning Valley,” said Paul Homick, chairman of the Leadership Mahoning Valley board.

Established in 1984 through the merger of the Leadership Youngstown and Leadership Warren programs, Leadership Mahoning Valley reported it has helped shape more than 1,300 business and civic leaders across the region.

JoAnn Stock, who has led the organization as executive director since 2023, has been promoted to president.

“Over the past 2 1/2 years, it has been a privilege to help guide Leadership Mahoning Valley through a period of remarkable growth,” Stock said. “I’m thrilled to continue this journey and build on the incredible momentum we’ve achieved.”

The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the program on temporary hiatus. With the Chamber’s assistance, it was relaunched in 2023.

“(It) has been a joy to watch JoAnn Stock take the program to new heights,” Guy Coviello, Regional Chamber president and CEO, said. “The caliber and volume of people applying to be part of the program speaks to its prestige and impact. We look forward to watching its continued growth and development of community leaders.”

Applications for the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2026 — set to begin this September — are now available. The deadline to apply is Friday. Details about the program can be found at rb.gy/0ipmdb.

For more information, email Stock at JoAnn@leadershipmahoningvalley.org or call 330-519-0395.