Leadership in the Valley graduates this years class

The Leadership in the Valley (LITV) 2022-23 class of cohort participants has graduated from the program. This is the fourth class and 24 participants went through the nine month program. The cohort met in different locations around the community each month exploring an important topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed included community and the arts, government, agriculture and environment, education, diversity, public safety-law, economic development/business, health and wellness, and leadership development.

“My experience in the 2022-2023 Leadership in the Valley Cohort has been nothing short of amazing,” said Stillwater Police Chief Brian Mueller. “Each month was better than the next as we were presented with compelling and relevant information about the great things our community has to offer. The most important takeaway has been the relationships we have built during our time together. This will be mandatory participation for my leadership team moving forward.”

The graduates are now members of the Leadership in the Valley Alumni Alliance and join over 60 past participants of the program who gather throughout the year to network. Applications are currently open for the fifth year of Leadership in the Valley. The deadline to apply for the Class of 2023-24 is July 21. Leadership in the Valley is a program of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation. To learn more go to

Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce

Chris Tetrault and Krista Koehler.

LEADERSHIP IN THE VALLEY CLASS OF 2022-23

• Tom Ballis — City of Stillwater, fire

• Amy Berge — Stillwater Area Public Schools

• Derek Brandt — DiaSorin Inc.

• Julie Grecian — The Partnership Plan for Stillwater Area Public Schools

• Kelly Gutierrez — St. Croix Preparatory Academy

• James Hanke — Market & Johnson

• Brooke Hesse — Kjos, St. Croix Soccer Club, Inc.

• Andrea Jorgenson — Stillwater Area

Community Foundation

• Krista Koehler — Stillwater Modern Dentistry

• Joe Kohlmann — City of Stillwater

• Anita Kroma — Kraus Anderson

• Adriane Lepage — Valley Vision

• Kelli Matzek — Washington County

• Jen McCormick — Discover Stillwater

• Brian Mueller — City of Stillwater, Police Department

• Amanda Myrick — Royal Credit Union

• Melena Nelson — FamilyMeans

• Jennifer Pinski — City of Oak Park Heights

• Rachel Presslein — Community Thread

• Mandee Puente — Agent M Insurance

• Jennifer Sayers — Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

• Aliya Taube — Inver Grove Toyota

• Chris Tetrault — Hometown Hero Outdoors

• Michael Wilhelmi — Xcel Energy