January 13, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Wages
Poteau Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 918-647-9178
Email: poteauchamber@windstream.net
(POTEAU, OKLAHOMA) – Leadership LeFlore County is now accepting applications for the 2026 leadership class, marking the next year of this well-established countywide leadership program. Applications are available through the Poteau Chamber of Commerce at 918-647-9178 or online at www.poteauchamber.com. The application deadline is February 13, 2026.
Leadership LeFlore County is a structured leadership development program consisting of seven sessions held throughout April, a trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol, and graduation in May. Sessions are held on Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at various locations throughout Poteau. The Opening Session will take place on Thursday evening, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. One Saturday session is dedicated to a Tour of LeFlore County. Attendance at all sessions is required for graduation.
The purpose of Leadership LeFlore County is to equip emerging and established professionals with the knowledge, perspective, and skills needed to strengthen their workplaces, organizations, and communities. Participants gain insight into leadership styles, management practices, and community issues while building valuable professional networks across the county.
Leadership is not defined by title alone. Effective leaders inspire confidence, encourage collaboration, and motivate others to work toward shared goals. The Leadership LeFlore County curriculum focuses on essential leadership qualities such as attitude, initiative, creativity, and passion, all while emphasizing real-world application and community engagement.
Leadership LeFlore County is sponsored by The LeFlore County Development Coalition, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, OG&E, Kiamichi Technology Center, The Community State Bank, The Donald W. Reynolds Center, City of Poteau, Leadership Development and Citizen Engagement, and the Poteau Chamber of Commerce.
With more than 250 alumni serving in leadership roles at both the local and state level, Leadership LeFlore County continues to have a lasting impact throughout the region. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, professions, and communities across LeFlore County and surrounding areas.
Leadership LeFlore County is open to all interested residents and does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, or national origin. Participants are selected based on demonstrated leadership potential, community involvement, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Each year, twenty participants are selected to take part in the multi-week program.
“Each year, the program continues to grow and evolve,” said Danette Russell with OSU Extension. “The feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, and we continue to see new leaders step forward to serve their communities.”
Karen Wages, CEO of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce, added, “It is rewarding to watch past graduates grow into leadership roles that contribute to the strength, unity, and success of LeFlore County.”
The Poteau Chamber of Commerce looks forward to the vision, energy, and leadership the 2026 Leadership LeFlore County class will bring to our community.