Every year since 1983, leaders in the community have gathered for Leadership Overland Park. A product of the Overland Park Chamber, the program was established to develop leaders who are passionate about the future of their city and community. The program informs, educates, and prepares professionals to meet future challenges and sports 930 alumni.
At the time Shane DeWald was named executive director of Blue Valley Recreation in November of 2021, his enrollment in Leadership Overland Park 2022 had already been accepted. It was a huge undertaking to start in his new position and still commit months to completing the program, but DeWald relished the opportunity. Although DeWald has lived in the area for 20 years, his time at Blue Valley Rec was his first years working specifically in Overland Park. The six‐month program was key in providing DeWald with the framework he needed to navigate the local landscape.
Sessions started in January and concluded in June as DeWald and his fellow classmates attended 10 full‐day sessions. The sessions focused on specific aspects of Overland Park: city, county, and state government; history; education; politics; and current issues facing the region. For its class project, the participants chose to support the efforts of the #GiveMe20 initiative to help prevent teen suicide. At the graduation luncheon, #GiveMe20 founders Sylvia Harrell and BJ Thomas-Wilson were presented with a check for $10,100.
“I enjoyed networking and meeting city and county officials and staff,” reflected DeWald. “Blue Valley Rec is very visible in the area and these contacts only help solidify the working relationship with local municipalities.”
DeWald came away understanding the vast potential to serve our community better. Through challenges in the workforce and the holdover of COVID, LOP helped unite community leaders.
“I was able to form strong alliances with key stakeholders in the community,” he said. “I met so many great leaders who I now call friends.”
DeWald’s advice for the new recruits? Everyone needs to step out of their comfort zone and apply themselves to each conversation. The relationships formed will be beneficial for many years to come.