Leadership OBX
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
Connect · Educate · Inspire
The Chamber's flagship program for emerging and established leaders. Six months behind the scenes with the people, industries and institutions that shape the Outer Banks.
2014
Founded
20
Leaders in the 2026-27 class
10
Full-day sessions
Oct-Apr
Program season
About the Program
Since 2014, Leadership OBX has brought together business professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, educators, public servants and engaged community members who care about the future of the Outer Banks.
Through site visits, candid conversations with local leaders and hands-on learning, participants see how the region really works: the industries that drive it, the challenges it faces and the people working to solve them. Graduates leave ready to serve on boards, lead organizations and volunteer across the community.
Late October through mid-April, each class takes part in:
- A welcome reception
- An opening retreat (Nov. 2-3 for the 2026-2027 class)
- Ten full-day sessions that go behind the scenes of the region's key industries and institutions
- Direct access to community, business and civic leaders from across the Outer Banks
Session topics: economic development, health care, tourism, education, housing, workforce development, government, environmental stewardship, public safety and regional collaboration.
Thank You to Our 2026-2027 Sponsors
Lead Sponsor
Meet the 2026-2027 Class
Twenty professionals from health care, education, tourism, local government, real estate, banking, conservation, the arts and small business.
Emily Austin, Stellar Tile & Flooring
Cady Breslin, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Dare County
Lynda Burek
Anna Leigh Chapman, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
David C. Decker Jr., Carolina Designs Realty
Brianna Diggs, Carolina Designs Realty
Madison Floyd, G.R. Little Agency
Traci DeGrote Florez, First National Bank
Adam Harris, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Austin Horner, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Amy Craft Klassen, Roanoke Island Festival Park
Stefanie McMahon, Outer Banks Health
Tanya Negron, OBX Room in the Inn
Olivia Pratt, Roanoke Island Festival Park
Clifton Ragland, Dare County
Kevin Schaack, Outer Banks Health
Lela Schlenker, North Carolina Coastal Federation
Kelly Short, Outer Banks Health
Caitlin Spruill, Dare County Schools
Anne Watts, Outer Banks Play Therapy Center
What Participants Gain
- Relationships with current and emerging leaders across industries
- Behind-the-scenes insight into the Outer Banks community and economy
- Stronger leadership skills and a broader professional perspective
- A clear path to board service and volunteer leadership roles
- A lifelong network of Leadership OBX alumni
Built by volunteers. Every session is designed by the volunteer Leadership OBX Planning Committee. Committee members shape the curriculum, line up speakers and open doors to the businesses, agencies and organizations class members visit throughout the year.
Program Founder
Founded by Karen Brown
Karen Brown founded Leadership OBX in 2014 while serving as President and CEO of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. Through her vision and dedication, the program has grown into one of the region's premier leadership development programs, helping cultivate generations of community-minded professionals who continue to make a positive impact across the Outer Banks.
Now Building the Next Class
Interested in Leadership OBX 2027-2028?
Applications open each summer and are typically due in early September. Join the interest list and we'll let you know the moment the 2027-2028 application is available.
Tuition
$1,000 for 2026-2027, covering the reception, retreat, meals and all session costs
Scholarships
A limited number of partial scholarships are available, thanks to our sponsors
Commitment
Full participation in the retreat and all ten sessions is expected
Questions about Leadership OBX or sponsoring the program? Call the Chamber at (252) 441-8144.
