Leadership Somerset is a year-long adult community leadership program for adults who want to be informed, engaged, connected leaders in Somerset County, NJ. 

This program provides you with

• a knowledge of formal and informal decision-making channels in Somerset County
• a broader view of critical community issues
• an introduction to key community leaders and an opportunity to network
• an opportunity to practice and refine critical leadership skills and competencies

Community (civic) leadership programs exist in many, many communities, both big and small, across the United States and beyond. Their common link is to build skills and support the development of emerging leaders through series of seminars, workshops, experiential learning, and other local projects. They seek individuals who want to improve their community, and give voice to traditionally underrepresented community members.

Participating in Leadership Somerset has many benefits.

Benefits to you as a participant:

• Heightened awareness of available resources and issues through nearly 100 hours of learning experiences.
• The opportunity to enhance your own leadership skills through a curriculum that enhances the capacities of positive leadership.
• A better understanding of how the public and private sectors work together, as well as opportunities for improvement.
• Personal growth through gaining a better understanding of yourself and learning how to work with others to get things done.

Benefits to your employer:

• Program fellows bring stronger leadership skills to the workplace by expanding their capacities of authenticity, purpose, advocacy, resilience, community building, reason, and gratitude.
• Fellows strengthen teamwork, project management, and problem solving skills through their small group and class project experiences.
• Program fellows have access to a network of key community leaders and business resources.
• Involved companies gain new insights into community issues and strengthen their recognition in community affairs.

Benefits to the community:

• This program provides a broad-based pool of committed individuals sensitive to the diverse populations and issues in our community.
• Program fellows are prepared to take action in shaping our community’s future, becoming involved as volunteers, board members, public office candidates and informed resources in their communities.
• Leadership Somerset encourages the development of creative partnerships between the public and private sectors.

• Leadership Somerset was created in 2000 by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Somerset County Business Partnership, Raritan Valley Community College, and the United Way of Northern New Jersey, Somerset County.  Well into our second decade, the Leadership Somerset program is still sponsored by Somerset County.
• The 2022 program fee is $425 and covers participation in all seminars, materials, and meals.
• Limited financial assistance based on need is typically available and is described further in the application.

• The program year runs from January to December and seminars (classes) take place one weekday a month (typically a Wednesday) during regular business hours. More specific information about the 2022 program year can be found at About Leadership Somerset. 
• Most seminars are held at the county government complex in Somerville (when in-person) with convenient and free parking. Seminars may also be virtual.
• Each seminar explores a specific topic with presentations and discussions by local leaders and subject matter experts and, when possible, field trips to enhance the learning and awareness. Seminars cover these topics:
  • Local Government
  • Economy, Workforce, and Transportation Infrastructure
  • Human Services
  • Housing and Community Development, 
  • Community Health
  • Justice, Public Safety, and Emergency Preparedness
  • Environment and Energy
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Diversity and Inclusion
• Seminars also include learning about leadership itself. We use a  leadership skills curriculum that is suitable for persons from any background and can be applied to any part of life – personal, work, and community.

We work hard to build a strong bond within each class, making it possible for each class to share opinions and personal experiences in a non-judgmental space.  For this reason we do not allow visitors.  However, we encourage you to explore one or more of our other opportunities to learn more about this experience:

• Attend an information session during our recruiting season (Sept.-Oct.), where you will have an opportunity to speak directly with alumni and current program fellows, in addition to program staff.  Dates, times, and registration links are published on an Information Sessions page in September.
• Review an agenda from an actual seminar for a better idea of what occurs in a seminar. 
• Connect with us on social media to get a glimpse of what a session is like and the leadership information we share.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn (search for Leadership Somerset group)

During the program year

• We expect our program fellows to be able to commit the time required to make this a successful experience for all involved.  Employer approval is required.
• Attendance at the first session in January is mandatory to continue in the program. 
• In addition to some small group projects, each class is required to complete one major project that benefits the community.
• In addition to your desire to learn more about Somerset County and meet great leaders, we expect that you will want to stretch your comfort zone while also having fun and making new friends along the way.

 After you complete the program

• We do not have a requirement for community service or volunteerism after you complete the program.
• Instead, we're confident that with the awareness you've gained throughout our year together, you will be more involved in the community when the time is right for you.
• We encourage all our graduates to discover what they are passionate about and get involved, wherever that may be. You 

  choose when, how and where you will lead. 

   We think the list of options is nearly endless but here are some examples:

  • join a nonprofit as a board member
  • run for elected office in your municipality or board of education
  • participate on a committee or commission of local government (municipal and county level)
  • volunteer with a nonprofit agency
  • increase your community engagement by voting and attending public meetings 
  • volunteer to lead a committee or special project at work
  • attend more community events
  • become an advocate and "lean in" for those in the community who are underrepresented
  • share information about community resources within your network of family, friends, and coworkers

• Applications are accepted from adults who live or work in Somerset County, NJ.
• We are looking for energetic people who reflect a cross-section of ages, cultures, races, interests, viewpoints, professions, and experiences.

Leadership Somerset seminars are planned and led by two full-time county employees who have other responsibilities beyond their work with this program.  They both love meeting a new group of Leadership Somerset class members each year and do their best to make the experience both informative and fun.

• Denise Katula serves as the Leadership Somerset Program Director, planning and facilitating the monthly sessions. Employed by Somerset County since 1990, Denise currently works in the Administrator's Office as the Manager of Leadership and Talent Development, responsible for leading Somerset County's efforts in leadership development for its 1,200+ public employees.  She began working with the Leadership Somerset program in 2000 and has enjoyed every minute of it.  Denise grew up in Somerset County and currently lives in Branchburg with her family.  While her professional achievements and volunteer service are detailed on her LinkedIn profile, what you won't find there is information about her love of gardening, antiquing, reading, and spending time with her dogs.

• Lisa Krueger Close serves as the Leadership Somerset Assistant Program Director.  a.k.a. zany sidekick to Denise Katula. ‘By night,’ Lisa is responsible for digitally recording the Leadership Somerset class year, posting on social media, helping to keep the class on track, actively listening and contributing to class discussion. But by day, with over 16 years’ experience as a Public Information Specialist for Somerset County, Lisa serves a population of approx. 333,750 residents. She is responsible for communications, media relations, website content, social media, special projects and events. In addition to public service, she also has a diverse background in corporate and nonprofit experience.