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Featured Photo: Hendersonville’s Historic Courthouse and main street in October of 2025. (Photo by: Rich Keen.)
Marketing & Communications Dept.
Launched in 2024, the Blue Ridge Leadership Institute at Blue Ridge Community College provides professional development and leadership training opportunities for current and aspiring leaders across Henderson and Transylvania counties and beyond.
Today, the Leadership Institute brings together every leadership, management, and network-building resource of the College’s 200+ programs and initiatives under one roof, with the single goal of helping participants become the best leaders they can be. Through conferences, workshops, collaborative learning, practical credentials, small business support, and specialized tracks, the Institute propels local professionals into their communities, equipping them to guide teams, drive innovation, and create positive change.
“Strong leadership is essential for thriving businesses, public services, and community organizations,” said Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridge’s marketing and communications director. “The Leadership Institute brings together the College’s top leadership development resources, providing local professionals with a menu of programs and training opportunities to grow, adapt, earn credentials, and make a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities.”
The Institute also provides information on broader community leadership collaborations, such as Vision Henderson County, Vision Transylvania County, the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator, and Blue Ridge’s annual Vision Leadership Conference.
Since its founding in 1969, Blue Ridge Community College has supported and educated leaders across sectors including business, healthcare, education, public safety, agriculture, and manufacturing, and more. The College’s programs are designed to meet participants where they are, helping them develop practical skills and strategic insights to advance their careers, grow their organizations, and strengthen the local workforce.
More information about the Blue Ridge Leadership Institute and upcoming programs are available online at www.blueridge.edu/leadership. Further inquiries can be made to institute@blueridge.edu.