• Mission
  • Objectives
  • Program
  • Board
  • Development






  • Mission

    To foster the development and engagement of emerging and existing leaders for the advancement of St. Lawrence County and its communities.

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    Objectives & Goals


    Created in 1993, St. Lawrence Leadership Institute is an apolitical, not-for-profit organization based in Canton, New York. The objectives of this organization are as follows:


    Issues Education

  • To offer a structured program that creates an informed citizenry aware of critical issues facing the county

    Leadership Development

  • To advance the region with well-informed and energized individuals willing and capable of being inspiring leaders by engaging class members in discussion and hands-on learning of leadership best practices

    Networking

  • To develop a network of leaders who represent the diversity of our county, and who are willing to work together for the common good

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  • Program


    St. Lawrence Leadership Institute is ...

  • Available to individuals living or working in St. Lawrence County

  • A nine-month series that runs from September to June, focusing on issues education, leadership development, and networking opportunities

  • A valuable experience for lifelong or long-time residents or workers in St. Lawrence County as well as newcomers to this area


    SLLI works to accentuate the interconnectedness
    and interdependency of all challenges facing our region
    and the need for aspiring leadership.

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    2009-2010 Board of Directors


    Jill Chamberlain
    Community Relations Spec., NYPA
    Ben Dixon
    Economic Development, St. Lawrence University
    Patricia (Patti) Fisher, Vice President
    Model Schools Coordinator, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES
    Mark Hall
    Supervisor, Town of Fine
    Joseph Kardash
    Business Administrator, Colton-Pierrepont Central School
    Bess Kirnie
    Superintendent, Norwood-Norfolk Central School District
    Josh LaFave
    Assoc. Dir. Graduate Business Programs, Clarkson University

    Lisa McKeel
    Supervisor, Adult Education, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES

    Patricia (Pat) McKeown, Treasurer
    Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
    CEO, Vanguard Communications & Consulting

    Ellen Nesbitt, Secretary
    Associate Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

    Jason Pfotenhauer
    Deputy Director, SLC Planning

    Joann Sevick
    Director, St. Lawrence County Youth Division

    Chris Westbrook
    Director and Professor, SUNY ESF, The Ranger School, Wanakena
    Jeff Yette
    Sales Engineer, SLIC Network Solutions
    Robert Zimmerman, President
    Manager, Dining Services, St. Lawrence University

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    Development


    One of the most important aspects of SLLI's growth in the last few years has been the generosity of businesses and organizations in our region. The Sweetgrass Foundation has graciously provided tuition assistance, first in 2004 with a direct grant, and a year later with a matching grant for a scholarship endowment. In 2008 the Sweetgrass Foundation again offered SLLI a two-year matching grant opportunity for tuition and scholarship assistance.

    Executive directors of not-for-profit organizations, small business owners and employees, plus working non-traditional students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees have benefited directly from full or partial scholarships to essential participants. SLLI is grateful to Alan Newell and Kate Newell for this ongoing support.

    Since 2005, the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) has awarded a grant to help fund scholarships and alumni initiatives, including our Leadership Speaker Series. When the opportunity presents, and as alumni request, SLLI sponsors a speaker of national renown to address some aspect of leadership. In 2006, SLLI hosted Michael Shuman, a lecturer, attorney, economist, entrepreneur, and author. His talk, "Small-Mart Leadership: The Key to Economic Prosperity" was co-sponsored by DANC, Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. A donation from Alcoa - Massena Operations made it possible for the event to be free and open to the public.

    In addition, SLLI has received general operating and scholarship support from its 250-member alumni body, diverse businesses and organizations like Penski Inc. and the United Way.

    Anyone wishing to support the advancement of leadership in St. Lawrence County is welcome to contact SLLI Treasurer Pat McKeown at info@slli.org or 315-386-4000.

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  • St. Lawrence Leadership Institute
    101 Main Street, 1st Floor
    Canton, NY 13617
    Phone: (315) 386-2107
    Fax: (315) 379-0134
    E-mail:
    info@slli.org