Huntington Regional Chamber Announces Leadership Huntington Class of 2027 and Kirtley Insurance Scholarship Recipient

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Leadership Huntington Class of 2027, presented by Marshall Health Network. Launched in 2023, Leadership Huntington is designed to connect, develop, empower, and mobilize current and emerging leaders who are committed to making a difference in Cabell and Wayne counties.

The program aims to bring together leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to foster collaboration, promote community involvement, and develop a network of informed and engaged leaders. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the region's economic, social, and political landscape, while equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle complex business challenges.

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce a new scholarship opportunity for the Leadership Huntington program, made possible through the generous support of Mike Kirtley, Owner and CEO of Kirtley Insurance.

The Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship, valued at $1,500, will be awarded annually for three consecutive years to an eligible small business owner, employee, or nonprofit leader. This scholarship is designed to increase access to Leadership Huntington for professionals who are ready to strengthen their leadership abilities, deepen their community involvement, and create meaningful impact across the Tri-State region.

The 2027 Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship was awarded to Belinda Chapman of Children's Home Society of West Virginia.

"We are excited to welcome the Leadership Huntington Class of 2027 and look forward to the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each participant brings to the program," said Megan Archer, President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Leadership Huntington continues to connect and develop individuals who are passionate about strengthening our region, and we're especially grateful to Kirtley Insurance for creating a scholarship opportunity that helps make the program accessible to even more emerging and established leaders in our community. We are also thankful for the continued support of Marshall Health Network as the presenting sponsor of Leadership Huntington, helping us invest in the next generation of leaders across Cabell and Wayne counties."

The fourth class of Leadership Huntington will attend monthly sessions running from September 2026 to May 2027, with a graduation ceremony in June 2027. Each session will be organized around a theme and will be explored through speakers, discussions, field trips, and exclusive experiential activities. Sessions will include health care, local government, workforce development, manufacturing, tourism, and more.

As the region’s leading business advocate for more than 130 years and a partner in economic development, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that promotes a thriving business community in Cabell and Wayne counties by connecting people, places, and resources. Learn more at www.huntingtonchamber.org .