“It’s a beaut, Clark”

For the 15-year-old kid in me, I look forward every year to watching Christmas Vacation which is shown on the daily, beginning the evening of Thanksgiving Day. The scenes and infamous quotes range from “saying grace” to “Squirrel” are classic. So, what exactly does Clark Griswold have in common with Leadership Greater Huntsville? For the Christmas Vacation enthusiast, you recall Clark Griswold standing in his yard with “two hundred and fifty strands of lights and one hundred bulbs on each strand”. Clark believed that if everything connected, the result would be worth the effort. 

This year reflected that same idea. LGH opened the door to new ideas and welcomed opportunities that supported the growth of our programs. This progress was possible because our alumni always step forward. You serve on committees, assist during program days, and support panels and round tables. Your presence has shaped, and will continue to shape, the experience for each program participant.

Now, we look ahead to the Pulse program for our first responders and to our first leadership conference, the LeadOn Summit. The groundwork you helped build gives these initiatives strength and purpose. Your support continues to illuminate our region and guide our next steps.

Finally, I leave you with one more Christmas Vacation scene. Aunt Bethany asked Clark, “Is your house on fire, Clark?” He replied, “No, those are Christmas lights.” The LGH flame shines in the same bright way (only with far better wiring). Thank you for your continued support of LGH. I wish you a wonderful holiday season.

Lead On,

Christie 

We are honored to recognize Redstone Federal Credit Union as a valued Trustee of Leadership Greater Huntsville. RFCU’s long-standing dedication to innovation, service, and strengthening our community continues to elevate and energize our mission.

Their investment in LGH directly supports the growth of strong, engaged, and visionary leaders who are shaping the future of our region. RFCU’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering meaningful progress aligns perfectly with the leadership values we strive to champion.

We are grateful for their continued partnership and proud to have Redstone Federal Credit Union as a key member of our Trustee family. Their impact in Huntsville and across the Tennessee Valley is felt every day, and we are thankful for their support.

Redstone Federal Credit Union:

"Redstone Federal Credit Union® is one of the largest sponsors of civic, educational, and charitable non-profit organizations in the Tennessee Valley. Each year, Redstone supports more than 280 organizations in seven counties. Our pledge to give back takes many different forms, from sponsoring a Relay for Life team to building a playground for local children with special needs."

🎄✨ We can't wait to be merry and bright! ✨🎄

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you NEXT WEDNESDAY! Join Leadership Greater Huntsville for our annual Holiday Homecoming, a festive evening filled with cheer, connection, and community. Come toast the season, enjoy holiday treats, and celebrate the impact our LGH family continues to make across the region.

🗓 Date: NEXT WEDNESDAY, December 10th

⏰ Time: 4:00-7:00 PM

📍 Location: Mars Music Hall

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Beth Medley, Realtor - Keller Williams Realty, for making this celebration possible!

We are also excited to announce that JUICE will be performing at this year’s Holiday Homecoming! 🎶✨ A special thank-you to Imagehawk and Aetos Systems for generously sponsoring the band and helping make this celebration even better for our alumni community!

This event is FREE for all alumni/graduates and class members. You can also bring a guest for $10. Don't miss our most heavily attended event of the year!

Join us for BE BOLD 2026, a powerful gathering where community leaders and changemakers will unite to explore leadership, vision, and impact. This half-day event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and rich opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees will leave energized, equipped, and ready to apply bold ideas in their communities and organizations. Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, this summit will challenge you to think differently and lead with purpose. 

Details: Wednesday, January 28th, at the Jackson Center at 8:30 AM

Cost: $125 (but we are offering a discount code BBLGH26 to our alumni! Making it only $75 to attend! Code expires 12/31!)

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the new Trilogy Hotel Huntsville – Autograph Collection. This tour will give you an inside look at one of Huntsville’s newest hospitality destinations, offering a blend of elevated design, thoughtful guest experience, and insight into how innovative hospitality supports the region’s growth.

During this event, you will:

• Explore the hotel’s public spaces, design elements, and amenities.
• Hear from leadership about how the hotel fits into Huntsville’s evolving tourism and business landscape.
• Discover opportunities for community engagement, networking, and future events at this unique venue.
• Connect with fellow alumni in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the intersection of hospitality, leadership, and community development, right here in Huntsville. Around Town events are FREE for dues-paying alumni members and current class members. 

Interested in Serving on a City Board or Commission?

Leadership Greater Huntsville is committed to empowering our alumni to lead and serve throughout our community. If you’re passionate about contributing to local governance and using your leadership skills to support Huntsville–Madison County, we want to hear from you!

We invite alumni to complete our City Board & Commission Interest Form so we can learn more about your background, areas of interest, and readiness to serve.

Your voice and leadership matter — take the first step toward making an impact! Complete the form here!

January Events!

We’re excited to welcome Rob Gray, President & CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA, as our next 12@12 speaker! With over 30 years of senior leadership experience within the YMCA movement and a passion for organizational growth and community impact, Rob brings a wealth of insight and inspiration. 

At this session, he will share how mission-driven leadership, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence can help organizations thrive. Join us for this engaging discussion and walk away with practical takeaways to lead with purpose in your own role. Don’t miss it! Register now!

We’re honored to welcome Mayor Ranae Bartlett as our next featured speaker in the Community Conversation series! Fresh off her election to lead Madison, Mayor Bartlett brings a rich background in civic leadership, education, and community-driven innovation. Join us for an inspiring discussion as she shares her vision for Madison’s future, including how growth, infrastructure, and community priorities intersect, and offers insight into her goals as mayor. This is your chance to engage directly and be part of the conversation shaping our city and community.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, January 14th 

⏰ Time: 11:30am-1:00pm

📍 Location: Madison Public Library

Seats are limited! Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with Madison’s new mayor and help shape the direction of our community together. Community Conversations are free for all dues-paying alumni and current class members. Guests and non-dues-paying LGH grads can attend for a fee. Register here!

Joining the Leadership Greater Huntsville Alumni Association is a great way to stay connected, engaged, and involved after your program experience.

As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and continued leadership development. It’s your chance to stay plugged into the community and the incredible LGH alumni network. Learn more here!