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Leadership Hays

2026 Leadership Hays Participants pictured above:

Back Row (left to right): Damian Lawson – Equity Bank,  Nick Esfeld – Nex-Tech, Oscar Jimenez – Sunflower Bank, Kaleb Hammeke – Heartland Credit Union, Craig Poe – High Plains Mental Health Center, and Cassandra Buhrle – Heartland Dermatology

Middle Row: Mikaela Henderson – First Care Clinic, Dinah Newman – The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, Janae Dinkel – Midwest Energy, Brent Meeks – Vyve Broadband, Fernando Guzman – HaysMed, Jessie Werth – First Care Clinic

Front Row: Cheridahn Kentner – Bank of Hays, Nichole Wolf – Nex-Tech Wireless, Chantelle Lawson – Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Brittany Drylie – FHSU Foundation, Brittany Scarpulla – Commerce Bank

Not pictured: Macy Graham – Nex-Tech

2026 Leadership Hays Application Form

Leadership Hays Mission Statement

Improve and strengthen individuals and the Hays community by identifying, inspiring and involving those persons who have displayed a capacity for leadership.

Objectives

  • Identify and motivate individuals who are committed to leadership and community trusteeship
  • Acquaint such individuals with the community's continuing needs, challenges and resources
  • Offer opportunities for participants to explore and strengthen their personal leadership competencies
  • Develop a format for ongoing communication among emerging and established leaders

Each year, the Leadership Hays class creates a project that benefits children in the Hays community or surrounding area. Leadership Hays is a program of the Chamber in Hays, Kansas and is affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center. It guides participants through the capacities needed in 21st century leaders. Contact the Chamber at (785) 628-8201 to find out how to register for an upcoming Leadership Hays session.

Please see below for the 2026 class dates. Sessions will take place at the Hays Welcome Center. Please make note of location changes denoted in parentheses.   For more information about the Leadership Hays program, contact Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO or Leigh Purdy, Vice President of Membership at 785-628-8201 or via email at hayscc@hayschamber.com

Session 1: Feb. 25th 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Session 2: Mar. 11th 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. 

Session 3: Mar. 25th 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Session 4: Apr. 8th 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

KLC: Apr. 15th-16th All Day (Wichita) 

Session 5: Apr. 22nd 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. 

Session 6: May 6th 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Session 7: May 20th 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Graduation: May 29th 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. (LB Event Center & Catering) 

Get Involved

We also welcome nominations from employers who want to refer a team member or colleague. If you’d like to recommend someone, or if you would like a member of our staff to contact you with more information, please use the form below.