Leadership Orange

Leadership Orange The adult Leadership Orange program is comprised of approximately 40-45 Orange County individuals with a variety of backgrounds.

Our mission is to bring together diverse leaders to address community needs, strengthen leadership skills and empower them to make a difference in the community. Over a 10-month period, class participants receive training on topics important to Orange County residents and businesses including education, health and human services, communications, government and politics, the environment, culture an

d recreation, economic development, leadership development, and the judicial system. The training enables community members to better understand the many challenges facing the county and, therefore, better serve the community. More than 900 women and men have graduated from the Leadership Orange adult program since its inception. The youth Leadership Orange program is comprised of approximately 40 Orange County eighth grade students selected from Orange County’s public school districts and private schools. Class content closely follows the adult leadership program, however, the program is an eight-month schedule that follows the academic year. The Junior Leadership Orange program takes place during the school day and students travel together throughout the county learning leadership skills and important issues in our community.

Fresh faces, shared purpose, and an exciting year ahead! Leadership Orange is proud to welcome our newest members to the...
08/28/2026

Fresh faces, shared purpose, and an exciting year ahead! Leadership Orange is proud to welcome our newest members to the Board of Directors. We’re grateful to have these talented, community-minded leaders bringing their experience, energy, and passion to our mission.

Here’s to new ideas, meaningful connections, and continuing to build strong leaders throughout Orange County. 🧡 Please join us in giving them a warm Leadership Orange welcome!

Leadership Orange is proud to spotlight Johnnieanne Hansen, a leader dedicated to strengthening our workforce, supportin...
08/27/2026

Leadership Orange is proud to spotlight Johnnieanne Hansen, a leader dedicated to strengthening our workforce, supporting our community, and creating opportunities across the Hudson Valley.

Johnnieanne became CEO of the Council of Industry in 2025, building on years of leadership in workforce development and manufacturing. Since joining the Council in 2017, she has expanded apprenticeship and workforce initiatives, launched the Manufacturing Career Hub, and helped strengthen connections between manufacturers, job seekers, and the next generation of talent.

Her leadership extends beyond the workplace through her service as First Vice President of the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, Vice Chair of the SUNY Orange Foundation, and involvement with Unshattered.

Johnnieanne exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, creating pathways, building connections, and investing in the future of our region.

Join us in celebrating Elizabeth “Biz” Rowley, our inaugural Leadership Orange Distinguished Alumni Award recipient! 🧡Bi...
08/21/2026

Join us in celebrating Elizabeth “Biz” Rowley, our inaugural Leadership Orange Distinguished Alumni Award recipient! 🧡

Biz exemplifies what it means to lead, serve, and inspire. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication, leadership, and the meaningful impact she continues to make throughout our community.

Join us on September 22 at Newburgh Brewing Company as we celebrate Biz and her well-deserved honor and welcome the Leadership Orange Signature Program Class of 2027! 🎉

We can’t wait to celebrate with our alumni, friends, and the newest members of the Leadership Orange family!

🎟️ Register today at https://givebutter.com/LOWR2026

⛳️  Join us October 6, 2026, at West Hills Country Club in Middletown for a day on the green filled with golf, networkin...
08/21/2026

⛳️ Join us October 6, 2026, at West Hills Country Club in Middletown for a day on the green filled with golf, networking, friendly competition, and plenty of fun—all while supporting Leadership Orange’s mission to develop and inspire leaders throughout Orange County.

NEW SCHEDULE
🏌️ Registration: 10:00 AM
🏌️ Shotgun Start: 11:00 AM
🍻 Cocktail Reception: Immediately following

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a great day with colleagues, friends, and fellow Leadership Orange supporters, we'd love to have you join us!

🎟️ Reserve your spot today:
https://givebutter.com/LOGolf26

Golf. Connect. Give back. ⛳️

Join Leadership Orange alumni for our next Breakfast of Champions, a quarterly gathering designed to inspire, reconnect,...
08/19/2026

Join Leadership Orange alumni for our next Breakfast of Champions, a quarterly gathering designed to inspire, reconnect, and celebrate the journeys of leaders making a difference in our community.

This special edition features Paul S. Ernenwein, Esq., distinguished trial attorney and longtime Hudson Valley community leader, sharing the experiences, challenges, pivotal moments, and values that have shaped his leadership journey.

🎙️ Moderated by Katie Krahulik, Leadership Orange Signature Class of 2024.

Come enjoy breakfast, reconnect with fellow alumni, and leave inspired by a few life lessons along the way. 💙

📅 September 9 | 8:00–9:30 AM
📍 The Silk Factory
299 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY
$30 per person

🔗 Registration required, visit givebutter.com/BOC-SEPT2026

08/17/2026

Leadership doesn’t end when the Signature Program does, it continues through the ways our alumni lead, serve, mentor, and make a lasting impact in our community.

This new annual award recognizes an alum who exemplifies the mission and values of Leadership Orange through outstanding leadership, meaningful community impact, civic engagement, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Today, we’re proud to announce our inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award recipient… 🥁

Meet Kathleen Contreras, a new board member for Leadership Orange!Kathleen is Vice President of Program Services at ADAP...
08/14/2026

Meet Kathleen Contreras, a new board member for Leadership Orange!

Kathleen is Vice President of Program Services at ADAPT of the Hudson Valley, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about expanding opportunities through inclusive arts initiatives, employment education, and disability advocacy.

Kathleen holds dual master's degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration and is a graduate of the Leadership Orange Signature Class of 2026. She lives in New Windsor with her husband, Edgar, and their two children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, cheering on the NY Giants, and celebrating holidays with her family.

08/13/2026

Great energy, great conversations, and an even better community. 🙌

Tonight’s Leadership Orange Alumni Mixer was all about reconnecting, catching up, and continuing to build the relationships that make Leadership Orange so special.

Always good to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and spend time with people who continue to make an impact throughout Orange County.

Here’s a little look at the evening! 🎥

Networking CommunityConnections

Join us as we kick off another incredible Leadership Orange year and welcome the Signature Class of 2027!Reconnect with ...
08/12/2026

Join us as we kick off another incredible Leadership Orange year and welcome the Signature Class of 2027!

Reconnect with alumni, meet the newest members of the Leadership Orange family, and connect with leaders from across Orange County while enjoying great food, conversation, and a lively evening.

This year, we’re making history! We’ll proudly present the inaugural Leadership Orange Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring an alumnus whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on our community.

📅 September 22 | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Newburgh Brewing Company
88 South Colden Street, Newburgh, NY
$35 per person

Register today at givebutter.com/LOWR2026

Cassie Garcia is the Vice President of the Orange County Partnership  and has been with the company since 2022. In her r...
08/12/2026

Cassie Garcia is the Vice President of the Orange County Partnership and has been with the company since 2022. In her role, she works closely with executive leadership, public officials, investors, and business leaders to support initiatives that attract commercial and industrial investment, foster regional growth, and create high-quality employment opportunities.

Cassie holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College and is a graduate of the Leadership Orange Signature Program, Class of 2024.

A lifelong Orange County resident, Cassie lives in Middletown with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and is always looking forward to her next vacation.

Address

88 S Colden St
New Windsor, NY
12550

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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