1986-

Leadership Washington was founded by 18 dedicated members of the Washington region and co-founded by the Board of Trade and the Junior League, and it was modeled after successful community leadership programs of Atlanta and Philadelphia. Funding from the Meyer Foundation, IBM, and independent community leaders provided support for the start of the LW program.

1987, September -

The first LW class began under the direction of John Tydings and Janet MacNamara Harrison. Steve Harlan chaired the organization.

1987, November -

LW hired its first full-time employee, Phyllicia Hatton.

1988, July -

Alumni Association established for LW graduates; Diane Flanery Montgomery (’87) was the association president.

1988, September -

The program days were formally extended to include dinner, following the precedent set by the first class. This allowed the program topic dialogue to continue into the evenings.

1989 -

The Alumni Association was transitioned back into Leadership Washington, and bylaws were restructured to expand the representation on the Board of Directors to include graduates of the LW program. Along with these changes, the position of volunteer president of the Board of Directors was created; the president would be a graduate of the LW program and would work with the chair to lead the organization.

1989, July -

Breakfasts at Herb’s on Rhode Island Ave. began as a consistent way for Leadership Washington members to reconnect. As guest speakers were incorporated into the programs, it evolved into the Dialogue with Leaders series.

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