The Emerging Leaders (EL) is a diverse team of under-40, upwardly mobile young professionals rooted in the Tucson community whose mission is to accelerate the growth of Tucson’s business climate along with their own careers. The ELC is comprised of young professionals who are proven top performers representing “best in class” companies across a variety of local organizations including private, public and non-profit. Each ELC member is paired with an accomplished senior executive who can help them navigate the road ahead with valuable insight and experience. Chamber members that qualify, apply to serve on the Council. This group meets monthly and the Chair is automatically appointed to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors.

The ELC was founded in 2014 under the leadership of Ben Korn, Safeguard, Melissa Dulaney-Moule, T.E.P. and Whitney Thistle, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and is supported by the Tucson Metro Chamber’s executive team and its Board of Directors. At monthly roundtable meetings, the ELC has robust discussions about what political, economic and social challenges we face here in Southern Arizona. The ELC also regularly hosts guest speakers including prominent local elected leaders and key business leaders who share valuable insights about our community and career development.

What differentiates this group from others is its demonstrated commitment to mentorship. Each ELC member is paired with an accomplished senior executive who can help them navigate the road ahead with valuable insight and experience.

Additionally, the ELC promotes a culture of civic activism and awareness relative to our local political and business landscape. Through these key tenets of knowledge and connections, the Emerging Leaders thrive on a desire to enrich the Tucson community while simultaneously propelling their own careers.

The Emerging Leaders Council also serves as a contributor to members of the Tucson Metro Chamber Board of Directors on issues involving strategies to keep Tucson competitive in a world economy.