Leadership Odessa

About

Leadership Odessa is a program of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce that attracts a diverse group of businessmen and women. Each class is comprised of 40+ participants from a variety of sectors, including education, medical, small business, banking, industry, hospitality, and nonprofit.

The Leadership Odessa program is open to anyone who currently lives or works in Odessa, and whose organization is a Chamber Member. If you are new to Odessa, it’s the quickest way to get plugged into the community. If you’re familiar with Odessa, take this program to find out all the things you’ve been missing!

Management

Although overseen by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Odessa is essentially a participant-run program. The previous year’s graduates put their new leadership skills to work immediately, organizing into committees and facilitating the incoming class’s activities. This passing of the leadership torch has been working beautifully since the program’s founding in 1978.

Commitment Requirement

In order to graduate, participants must attend seven of the nine day-long sessions.

As explained above, each graduating class is responsible for facilitating the incoming class’s year of activities. Additionally, several Leadership Odessa graduates are peer-nominated to oversee the coming year’s one-month Junior Leadership program for high school juniors.

Many lifelong friendships (and even a few marriages) have resulted from Leadership Odessa. 

View 2025-2026 Leadership Graduation Photos

Enrollment

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 class begins in July. The enrollment deadline is 5:00 pm, August 31, 2026. Class is formed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To find out more, please call Carla Hartwig 432-333-7854 at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce or email Carlah@odessachamber.com.

Apply Now!

2026-2027 Schedule

October 9, 2026 – May 20, 2027
To graduate from Leadership Odessa you must attend the retreat and at least seven of the nine sessions.

*Sessions will begin and end at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, 700 N. Grant, Suite 200 (Bank of America building).

Education

Thursday, February 18, 2027
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*Odessa Chamber of Commerce

Energy

Thursday, March 18, 2027
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*Odessa Chamber of Commerce

Social Services

Thursday, April 15, 2027
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*Odessa Chamber of Commerce

Graduation

Thursday, May 13, 2027
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Odessa Chamber of Commerce

6:00 PM
Odessa Country Club