Our Mission

Leadership McKean's mission is to develop informed and engaged community leaders through a comprehensive, county-wide personal and professional enrichment program, known as LM’s CORE Program.

Participants will...

  • Enrich their leadership skills to use at work and in life.
  • Discover meaningful ways to contribute to McKean County’s future based on individual strengths and interests.
  • Develop strong connections with current and emerging leaders.
  • Gain firsthand knowledge of the institutions shaping McKean County.
  • ​Collaborate in teams to complete a community based project that addresses McKean County’s challenges and opportunities.

About the CORE Program

​Leadership McKean’s 8-month CORE Program is designed to strengthen McKean County’s civic capacity and economic growth by equipping emerging and established leaders with the skills, connections, and insights to make a lasting impact.
​Through interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and direct engagement with key leaders, participants develop a deep understanding of McKean County’s challenges and opportunities while building a powerful network of peers across industries and enrich their leadership skills.

From Sessions to Impact

During monthly Friday sessions from October through May participants visit locations across the county, engage in tours, panel discussions, and expert-led presentations that transform knowledge into action—empowering them to lead, collaborate, and drive progress. ​Each session aligns with the CORE Program’s graduation project focus areas, providing participants with in-depth exposure to key sectors shaping McKean County, including Education; Human Services; Healthcare; Workforce, Economic Development, & Entrepreneurship; Arts, Community, & Civic Engagement; Government; and Tourism and Recreation.

CORE Program Eligibility and Investment 

Eligibility

Participants of this program will need to live and/or work in McKean County. The selection committee will ensure that each class represents the diverse geographic areas, ages, professions, abilities, income levels, and ethnic groups within McKean. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, leadership development, and a desire to contribute to the county.​

Investment

​The program is 8-months long with all day comprehensive sessions every second Friday from October through May.
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Tuition for the program costs $825 per participant. Tuition is due after acceptance into the program. 

Please contact the Executive Director at [email protected] for more details. ​

Applications are now closed!

 The application period is currently closed. Applications are due by close of business on August 22nd, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee's decision by Friday, August 29th, 2025. The program will begin Friday, October 10, 2025 meeting one Friday per month through May. The Presentations and Graduation Ceremony will be held in the evening on May 20, 2026. The application period typically opens after the May Graduation Ceremony. 

Join the Waiting List!

Are you interested in being in Leadership McKean CORE Program? Is the application period currently closed?  Join Leadership McKean's waiting list by nominating yourself or someone you know to be in the next CORE program class.

Leadership McKean Testimonials



​"What did I get out of my Leadership McKean experience? 1. A greater sense of responsibility towards our community. 2. Empathy towards families facing economic and drug-related challenges. 3. A comprehensive understanding of McKean County’s ecosystem of public institutions. 4. A wealth of leadership principles I am leveraging at work and at home. 5. Acquisition of networking and teambuilding skills while making a positive impact with other talented leaders.”


Richard Longer,
Packaging Engineer,
Zippo Manufacturing Company

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"Leadership McKean has been an eye-opening experience for me—from the sessions packed full of inspiring, motivating leaders telling their stories and offering guidance; to the workshops providing insight and tools to become better communicators, creators, and leaders; to networking opportunities and wonderful friendships made along the way, I am grateful to be part of this year’s Leadership Journey.”
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Terra Thompson-Ferchak,
Senior Accountant,
Journey Health Systems

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“I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of Leadership McKean and have learned about myself as a leader and ways to be a better leader for my staff. I have also met some incredible people who were also a part of Leadership McKean. The networking and relationship building was my favorite part, but I am thankful for the entire experience!”

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Kayla Hayden,
Executive Director,
Bright Alternatives

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Leadership McKean's History

 The process to create Leadership McKean began in fall 2004 when a few community leaders with diverse perspectives and roles met to discuss the growing gap of emerging leaders. At the initial meeting, they unanimously agreed that the circumstances were not only an issue in Bradford but a common concern throughout the county, region, and state in general.  This was substantiated by the number of leadership programs in place and the variety of examples throughout. Following that meeting and for the next two meetings, the group conducted inquiries and pulled together best practices of other Leadership programs. The initial steering committee had representatives from all corners of the county.