Fitchburg State University will once again be well-represented in the upcoming cohort of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI).
Associate Director for Internship Coordination and Employer Relations Susan Beddes of the university’s Career Services and Advising Center and Director for Care and Case Management Joe Flanagan have begun the nine-month program.
"I was honored to sponsor Susan Beddes and Joe Flanagan for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “Their participation is a direct reflection of Fitchburg State’s deep commitment to fostering leadership and community engagement within our staff. Programs like this don't just develop strong individual leaders; they strengthen the very fabric of our region.”
“I'm very happy to be participating in the Community Leadership Institute this year,” Beddes said. “I am looking forward to taking a deep-dive into our community of North Central Massachusetts, strengthening my involvement with the Chamber and fostering new partnerships that will support my work in the Career Services and Advising Center.”
Flanagan's move to the region as a Fitchburg State student was the beginning of his long-standing affection for the area.
“Now, in a full-circle moment, I'm excited and incredibly proud to represent Fitchburg State as part of this Community Leadership Institute,” said Flanagan. “I believe this experience will broaden my understanding of industries in the region, and I look forward to connecting with the leaders who serve our local communities through meaningful work. This program also presents a great opportunity to share the amazing work happening at Fitchburg State, and explore where mutually-beneficial opportunities may exist for our campus community.”
Fitchburg State University Business Department Chair and Chair of the CLI Michael Greenwood said that during the CLI workshop on adopting a possibility thinker’s mindset, Beddes and Flanagan stood out.
“They arrived eager to stretch, question, and practice new leadership methods,” Greenwood said. “Their engagement—from role-playing to exploring ethical dilemmas—set the tone for the entire cohort. They remind me of soaring falcons: confident, curious, and unafraid to rise higher.”
The CLI offers a unique 9-month immersive experience designed to develop the next generation of leaders who will shape our region’s future. Through hands-on learning, exclusive access to regional leaders, and collaborative community projects, CLI participants gain the skills, connections, and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s technology and knowledge-driven economy.
"When I first agreed to volunteer to chair the Chamber’s Community Leadership Institute starting in 2012, I had no idea how deeply it would shape me,” Greenwood said. “I’ve watched managers, supervisors, and emerging executives discover new confidence, empathy, and vision year after year. Having a front-row seat to that kind of transformation has been one of the great privileges of my professional life.”
The CLI program runs from October to June each year, featuring day-long sessions each month that cover personal leadership development (October), non-profit governance (November), education (December), media & crisis communications (January), healthcare, law & justice (February), arts & culture (March), legislation (April), manufacturing & economic development (May), and debrief & commencement (June).