“Wait Time”: Creating space for what’s next



I hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season and were able to enjoy some time to rest, reflect, and connect. This time of year, I usually find myself organizing around the attic at home. This year, as we cleaned things out, our son came across a copy of The Huntsville Times that we saved on the day he was born. Of course, his first question was, “What is this?”

We talked about how, in the early 2000s and even back in the 1900s, news arrived by way of a paper delivered to our homes. He also discovered boxes of “negatives,” which he referred to as “film.” We explained that photos were once developed in a store and not immediately available like they are today. That realization became a true “ah-ha” moment for me.

Our conversation naturally led to the idea of anticipation and the fact that we once had to wait to learn about news events or see our photos. It reminded me that waiting can be an opportunity. Waiting can lead to creativity, innovation, clarification, and collaboration.

I look to this new year as a time to refocus on what I call “wait time.” As we step into this new year, I hope we each create space for “wait time” moments that allow for new ideas, meaningful connections, and opportunities for leadership to take shape.

And that sense of anticipation is very much present at LGH as we begin the year. On January 7, we will roll out applications for our 2026–2027 programs, while also preparing for an exciting lineup ahead, including Be Bold, Lead On Summit, PULSE, and the beginning of our 40th anniversary celebration.

Here’s to 2026! Have a wonderful year!

Lead On,

Christie  

We are proud to recognize Auburn University Engineering as a valued Trustee of Leadership Greater Huntsville. Their investment in LGH plays a vital role in developing strong, engaged, and forward-thinking leaders who are shaping the future of our region. Auburn University Engineering’s dedication to innovation, education, and leadership development closely aligns with the values we seek to cultivate through our programs.

We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and honored to have Auburn University Engineering as an integral part of our Trustee family. Their influence in Huntsville and across the Tennessee Valley is significant, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to supporting leadership and community growth.

More about Auburn Engineering:

"The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is focused on providing the best student-centered engineering experience in America. We pride ourselves on providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom. By providing a student-centered learning experience and high levels of engagement with faculty, we graduate engineers capable of addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges in the engineering field."

✨ Applications Are Now Open for the 2026–2027 Leadership Greater Huntsville Program Year! ✨

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither are our programs. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, or make a deeper impact in Huntsville–Madison County, LGH offers a pathway designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.

From high school students and young professionals to managers, executives, and CEOs, our programs provide immersive experiences that build understanding, foster connection, and develop leaders who are committed to serving their community. Participants gain access to meaningful conversations and leaders, hands-on learning experiences, and a powerful network that lasts well beyond the program year.

Explore our programs, connect with our Program Directors, and take the next step in your leadership journey by applying today. Learn more here!

Upcoming Alumni Events

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: NEXT 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!

Our annual Leaders on Board is coming up on February 20th! This signature event is designed to connect local nonprofits with LGH alumni who are eager to serve and make an impact. This dynamic, two-hour event brings together mission-driven organizations and experienced leaders for purposeful networking, meaningful conversations, and potential board matches that strengthen our community.

Nonprofits will have the opportunity to showcase their mission, current needs, and board opportunities, while alumni can explore ways to lend their talents, leadership, and passion to causes across our region.

By fostering these connections, Leaders on Board helps build stronger organizations, stronger boards, and a stronger Huntsville–Madison County community. LGH alumni and current class members, register here.

Nonprofits, if you are interested in participating, please complete this form.

Reboot Day: Understanding Poverty in Our Community

This Reboot Day will offer participants a powerful look into the realities of poverty across the Huntsville-Madison County area and our region. Through conversations with local leaders, hands-on learning, and immersive experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals and families face, and the innovative efforts underway to break cycles of poverty. This session encourages empathy, awareness, and action as we explore how leadership, collaboration, and community investment can create lasting change for our neighbors in need.

Reboot Days are FREE for current class members and dues-paying alumni members. Non-dues paying alumni can attend for a $50 fee. Community guests can also attend for a $50 fee. Register here!

 LeadOn Summit 2026 Tickets Are Now Live!

We’re excited to share that registration for the LeadOn Summit, taking place on July 23, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Huntsville-Downtown, is now LIVE. This announcement is being shared first with our LGH alumni, giving you exclusive early access before registration opens to the public in two weeks.

The LeadOn Summit is a full day of leadership development, dynamic keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and meaningful networking with leaders from across the region. Attendees will explore core themes of Leadership, Education, Collaboration, and Stewardship, leaving with new ideas, connections, and tools to strengthen their impact in the community.

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing at just $199, available for the first 100 tickets sold. Once those sell out, standard registration will increase to $249 — so be sure to secure your spot early!

Interested in who our keynote speakers are? Take a look here!

Grab your Early Bird Ticket here.

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!

HATCH HSV is a Huntsville-based nonprofit workforce development program serving young adults ages 18–24 through an intensive 8-week culinary and hospitality training program. As part of its whole-person approach, HATCH HSV is seeking a licensed counseling professional (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent) to serve as a part-time, contract counselor. This role will support participants through group sessions, brief individual check-ins, and collaboration with program staff in a mission-driven, community-based setting.

Those interested may contact Victoria Kaigler, Program Director, at info@hatchhsv.com or Victoria@hatchhsv.com for more information or to share a brief statement of interest.

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!