The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Worcester Class of 2026

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce recently announced the selection of 28 talented professionals who will make up the class of 2026.

Members of the Leadership Worcester Class of 2026 are:

The class was carefully selected by committee and includes a diverse group of individuals committed to Leadership Worcester. The selection committee sought motivated individuals who aspire to take an active leadership role in the city and who want work collaboratively across sectors on system changes. The selected applicants were notified this July.

The 2026class will get underway on September 11, 2025, with an overnight retreat offering participants an opportunity to get to know one another, determine individual leadership strengths, learn more about participants’ experiences, and to understand more about the Worcester community.

Monthly sessions will explore topics that are critical to the city. The daylong sessions will take place one Thursday a month from October through May and culminate in a graduation in June 2026.  Session topics include Urban Sustainability, Education, Economic Development, Public Health, Community Safety, Government, Arts & Culture, and Food Security.

Karen Pelletier, Executive Vice President of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Leadership Worcester Class of 2026 is the eleventh cohort since the Chamber relaunched the program. Although the Chamber previously conducted a similar initiative for many years, it paused in the 1990s. Since restarting in 2015, the program has become highly competitive—this year alone, we received 66 applications for just 28 available slots. Leaders and stakeholders from diverse sectors volunteer their time to design each session, fostering a knowledgeable network of future leaders for our city.”

Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, “We need strong leaders now more than ever—individuals who understand our community’s needs and are ready to step forward to drive positive change and inclusivity. Over the past decade, Leadership Worcester has nurtured exactly these kinds of leaders. Its graduates have made remarkable contributions to our community and beyond. I’m confident this newest class will continue that tradition, advancing our city’s growth across science, education, healthcare, technology, and other vital areas.”

“Leadership Worcester was an incredibly impactful experience that truly deepened my understanding of the city and the systems that shape it,” said Karlene Cudak, CASA Project Worcester Development and Communications Manager, and Leadership Worcester Class of 2025 graduate. “From housing and healthcare to green spaces and equity, each session opened my eyes to the challenges and opportunities within our community. I am especially grateful for the connections built along the way and encouraged and inspired by our collective passion for positive change. This program reminded me how powerful it is when people come together with purpose. I cannot recommend it enough!”

The cost to participate in the program is $3,200. Scholarship assistance from employers and a number of Worcester foundations including: Greater Worcester Community Foundation, George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, George I. Alden Trust, Stoddard Charitable Trust, Hoche-Scofield Foundation, the Fletcher Foundation, and the Leadership Worcester Alumni Fund which is made up from alumni donations.

Applications for the next class will be available online in February 2026. For more information, visit www.leadershipworcester.com.