B.E.S.T. Leadership Program
Established in 2004 through a visionary collaboration between the Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville Chambers of Commerce, the B.E.S.T Leadership Program offers a dynamic and interactive experience to equip exceptional community and business leaders throughout Bastrop County.
Our vision is to empower leaders to be agents of positive change by helping them better understand our community's challenges and opportunities through effective leadership.
The program consists of eight expertly guided sessions over nine months led by Jackie Johnston, of TalentVantage, LLC, a seasoned professional in organizational development consulting and certified in executive leadership coaching.
This immersive experience offers a multifaceted approach, covering:
- Organizational and community leadership skills
- Personal and professional growth
- Teambuilding and workstyle
- Local economic development insights
- Understanding local, county, and state governance
- A foundation for education, health, human services, governmental systems, and economic development
Participants gain a comprehensive perspective on their community's opportunities and challenges through unique insights into city, county, and state-level organizations, community service programs, and businesses.
By acquainting participants with local needs and fostering an understanding of the relationships among entities and individual talents, the B.E.S.T Leadership Program encourages current and future leaders to contribute actively to a thriving community.
As this leadership program benefits the employer, many employers are willing to absorb this cost for interested employees.
Participation in the B.E.S.T Leadership Program is limited. Apply now to secure your spot, and join us on a journey that will empower you to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.
For inquiries and registration, please contact:
Jackie Johnston, MA, SHRM-CP, CPC
TalentVantage, LLC
We would like to share an important transition within the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program. Jackie Johnston, who served as facilitator during the first half of the 2025 program year, has stepped away to pursue new professional opportunities. We are grateful for her contributions and the enthusiasm she brought to the role. Stepping in to lead the remainder of the program is C. Dominica McGinnis. With a dynamic approach and strong leadership experience, she has hit the ground running. We are excited to welcome her as the new facilitator and look forward to the continued growth and success of the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program under her guidance.
B.E.S.T. Class of 2024
