Leadership OBX, a professional development program of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the Class of 2025-2026. Thank you to the Outer Banks Hospital for being our Platinum Title Sponsor again this year.
The Outer Banks Chamber launched Leadership OBX in 2014 to develop a cohort of business professionals with a greater understanding of the Outer Banks region and a network of individuals ready to serve on boards and in other volunteer leadership roles in the region. The primary objective of Leadership OBX is to educate business and organizational professionals about economic, demographic and social resources, as well as the successes and challenges of our diverse area.
The Class of 2025-2026 will run from late October 2025 through mid-April 2026 and includes a welcome reception, retreat (Sunday/Monday), and 10 full-day sessions every 2 -3 weeks all scheduled on Wednesdays. Program participants develop life-long friendships and enduring professional connections as well as a deeper understanding of the community we live in.
Establishing a sense of community and enthusiastic leadership are cornerstones of the program. Chamber President & CEO, Karen Brown said the program reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to the region and to developing community leaders.
“The Leadership OBX program offers a forum to enlighten and engage current and future leaders of the Outer Banks community,” said Brown. “The program provides opportunities for participants to develop and enhance their understanding of the community.”
The full tuition for the program is $600 which includes the reception, retreat, and all session expenses.
Through the generosity of the Leadership OBX sponsors, a limited number of partial scholarships are available to those who qualify. Nonprofit scholarships (partial) are also available. To be considered for a scholarship, you must be employed by a Chamber member business with less than 10 employees or a local non-profit. All applications must be received no later than September 13, 2025 to be considered for this year’s program. Applications are available at www.outerbankschamber.com/lobx2026.
2025-2026 Session Schedule
- Sun/Mon, Oct 26 & 27, 2025 – Retreat
- Mon, Oct 27, 2025 – Welcome Reception
- Wed, Nov 5, 2025 – Economic Development
- Wed, Nov 19, 2025 – Healthcare
- Wed, Dec 10, 2025 – Government
- Wed, Jan 7, 2026 – Public Safety
- Wed, Jan 21, 2026 – Social Issues
- Wed, Feb 4, 2026 – Education
- Wed, Feb 18, 2026 – Environment
- Wed, Mar 4, 2026 – Currituck
- Wed, Mar 18, 2026 – Tourism
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Hatteras
- Wed, April 15, 2026 – Graduation
To request an application please contact Karen Brown, President & CEO at the Chamber at 441-8144 or email [email protected]. Applications are also available online at www.outerbankschamber.com/lobx2026. Deadline to apply is September 12, 2025.
