Lefcoe Leadership Fund
The Lefcoe Leadership Fund and its three-month leadership program were founded in 1996 and are named for Portsmouth leader, volunteer, and native Vann H. Lefcoe, who lost his battle with cancer in that same year. The leadership program exists to identify, educate, and encourage future leaders within the city of Portsmouth.
Its twelve weekly meetings feature small group discussion, reference reading, a trip to the Virginia General Assembly and Supreme Court, visits from elected city, state and federal representatives, and presentations by the heads of several community organizations and agencies. As of March 2022, 580 individuals have completed the program, the overwhelming majority of whom serve with city commissions and/or community organizations.
2023 Course Outline
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I. Introduction & Course Overview
II. Effective Team Communications
III. Maritime
IV. Education
V. Development & Redevelopment
VI. What's News?
VII. Regional Perspective
VIII. City Management
IX. Tourism & the Arts
X. Volunteerism & Philanthropy
XI. Political Perspectives
XII. Earning a "Passport to Leadership"
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the course program schedule?
The course runs every January through March and consists of twelve 2.5 hour weekly evening meetings. Additionally, there are 3 class field trips that occur on a weekday.
How many people are accepted into the program each year?
Class size typically ranges between 20 to 30 participants each year, and will vary depending on applicant interest and/or instructional constraints.
How much does the course cost?
The course carries a tuition fee of $400.00. Scholarships are available.
Who can apply to participate in the course?
All individuals who are interested in better serving the Hampton Roads community, with a focus on Portsmouth.
When and how does someone apply?
Applications will be available beginning September 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the course by the end of November. Applications can be submitted electronically or mailed to joy@portsmouthpartnership.org.