ABOUT
Our Mission
The mission of Leadership Allegany is to provide a dynamic learning environment where adult professionals who live, work or have vested interest in Allegany County grow their leadership abilities, create connections, and impact their communities.
Core Values
Our core values, based on the Social Change Model of leadership, include:
-
Consciousness of Self
-
Congruence
-
Commitment
-
Collaboration
-
Common Purpose
-
Controversy with Civility
-
Active Citizenship

Our History
Timeline
January 2009
Houghton University and The Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce (GACCC) collaborated to establish a county wide leadership program.
2010
A five-member committee invested a full year of research, fundraising and curriculum development resulting in the successful launch of the first cohort.
2017
2022
Alfred State College came on board to join as co-chair.
After GACCC ceased operation, the Cuba Chamber of Commerce further solidified its long term support by formally joining this initiative. Houghton University, Alfred State College, and the Cuba Chamber of Commerce continue to partner to offer this unique leadership experience.
Program Learning Outcomes
We seek the following outcomes for each professional who invests the time and effort to complete the program.
OUR CO-CHAIRS

Phyllis Gaerte
Leadership Allegany Co-Chair
Phyllis serves as Alumni and Community Engagement Director at Houghton University. She has been involved with Leadership Allegany since its inception.
Phone: 585-567-9621
Email: phyllis.gaerte@houghton.edu

Jonathan Hilsher
Leadership Allegany Co-Chair
Jonathan works at Alfred State College as Asst. Vice President of Wellbeing & Student Support. He is a Leadership Allegany graduate from the class of 2013.
Phone: 607-587-4077
Email: HilsheJC@alfredstate.edu

STEERING
COMMITTEE
Program Co-Chairs
Phyllis Gaerte, Houghton University
Jonathan Hilsher ’13, Alfred State College
Bruce Campbell '11
Allegany County Area Foundation
Michele Conklin ’15
Palmer Opera House
Michelle Denhoff '18
Allegany County Planning Office
Judy Hopkins
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency, Vice Chair
Trina LaFleur ‘12
ACCORD Corporation
Brian Loucks
Cuba Chamber of Commerce, SCORE