If you’ve met an impressive leader in RVA, chances are they are a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, better known as LMR. Designed as a community leadership organization, LMR has made a name for itself in Greater Richmond for connecting and inspiring. Its goal is simple – equip local leaders with the knowledge needed to passionately engage the city and the region, at large.

Founded in 1980, LMR currently has more than 1,800 members with an impressive roster of local businesspeople on its Board of Directors. The organization focuses its efforts on the motto, “serve first, lead second,” and works daily to educate leaders in the private, public, nonprofit and grassroots sectors of the community to maintain the core values of servant leadership.

Myra Goodman Smith, president and CEO of Leadership Metro Richmond, feels the  notion of one leader at the top with everyone else below is “antiquated” and she’s vocal about it. Smith and the team at LMR reeducate members to view leadership as a collaborative effort and select leaders who will advance their community to the next level.

“Our members are zealous and organized around key regional issues such as transportation, housing, education and economic development – just to name a few. Each issue that impacts our community requires a troop of knowledgeable and cooperative community leaders from all walks of life to make an impact,” says Smith.

The organization’s success within the community is apparent through the programs on which its members, working collaboratively, have had an impact. The Circle Preschool Program, the first program of its kind in Richmond, was created to serve preschool-aged children who demonstrate significant social and emotional difficulties stemming from trauma. Leadership Metro Richmond also began AMP! Metro Richmond, a program created to build self-confidence, stimulate learning and encourage career discovery for middle school youth in the area.

According to Smith, the team at Leadership Metro Richmond has big plans for 2012, including increased collaboration with organizations to offer informative programs and more opportunities for solution-based engagement. The 2012 program kicks off in September and seminar days take place once a month, October through June. There’s still time to apply for the upcoming LMR program.

“If you’re ready to uncover and embrace the wonderful assets of the Richmond region on a deeper level, this organization is for you. If you’re ready to take a seat at the table among other community leaders to create the solutions that will advance our region, Leadership Metro Richmond is for you,” says Smith. “As a Leadership Metro Richmond member. you are guaranteed to gain thorough knowledge of regional issues and engage in transparent, courageous conversations.”

Apply at www.LMRonline.org by April 30, 2012 (scholarships are available). If you have questions, please call (804) 343-1500. 

Aine Norris is a Richmond based writer specializing in theme writing and all things vintage.