Leadership Santa Rosa will now operate as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which Board of Directors Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Mike Johnson described as “a natural next step.”
The milestone represents the Chamber’s decades-long commitment to their mission of developing leaders to serve and strengthen the county. What began as an initiative headed up by the Chamber has evolved into a legacy of leadership.
“Leadership Santa Rosa has been one of the Chamber’s proudest accomplishments,” Johnson said a press release announcing the news. “We’ve watched it grow from a Chamber program into a true countywide institution. Transitioning to a 501(c)(3) is a natural next step, one that honors the Chamber’s legacy while allowing both organizations to focus more deeply on their missions. The Chamber will continue championing businesses and economic growth, while LSR will build on this foundation to expand its impact as a hub for leadership and community collaboration.”
While the organizations have parted ways, the Chamber Board of Directors will continue to support LSR (now Leadership Santa Rosa, Inc.), and LSR will continue its mission without interruption. Their newfound independence will allow for more flexibility to work with all chambers and organizations across Santa Rosa County.
“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for Leadership Santa Rosa,” Board Chair for Leadership Santa Rosa, Inc. Kristen Rhodes said. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible foundation provided by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. This is not the end of a partnership, it’s the continuation of a legacy. With this new structure, we are better positioned to serve the entire county and connect leaders across all sectors.”
The transition will not affect Class 38, the current group of LSR. The new nonprofit status was effective as of June 30, 2025.
This announcement will be followed up by an article from the Santa Rosa Press Gazette.
