Downtown Bellevue skyline at dusk

Bellevue Chamber Leadership Program

New Executives

Fall 2026 · September 24 – November 18

Your chance to build confidence, gain insight, and connect with the people shaping the Eastside.

9Sessions
8Weeks
8Featured Speakers
3Signature Events
About the Program

Built for Rising Leaders

The Bellevue Chamber’s New Executives program is a leadership development experience designed for rising professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. The Fall 2026 cohort runs September 24 through November 18, with nine sessions that build essential skills, expand your understanding of the region, and connect you with a peer group of emerging leaders. With curated, behind-the-scenes access to key industries and decision-making spaces, the program offers a rare opportunity to grow your confidence, broaden your perspective, and become a more impactful leader in your organization and community.

What You Take Away

  • Essential leadership skills in communication, decision-making, and team management.
  • Regional insight into the key issues, industries, and dynamics shaping the Eastside.
  • Professional connections with a lasting cohort of emerging leaders.
  • Cross-sector exposure to leadership in business, government, and community settings.
  • Big-picture perspective from new ideas, tools, and leadership approaches.
A packed ballroom of attendees at the Eastside Leadership Conference
A panelist speaking on stage at a Chamber event
Two attendees smiling together at a Chamber event

Scenes from Bellevue Chamber programs and events.

Fall 2026

Program Schedule

Nine sessions over nine weeks, most Thursdays at the Lincoln Square Collaboration Center, with signature Chamber events woven in along the way.

Kickoff

Thursday, September 24 · 5:00 – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

The Forum at Lincoln Square

Hosted by Jennifer Clark, Bellevue Chamber

Meet your cohort over drinks and conversation at The Forum. Jennifer Clark kicks off the program with a look at what the next nine weeks hold.

Attendees laughing together at a Bellevue Chamber reception
Oct1Thursday

Effective Communication for Emerging Leaders

3:30 – 5:00 PM · Lincoln Square Collaboration Center

Tanji Bridgeman, Bridgeman Health Solutions

Active listening and confident speaking are the foundation of leadership. Tanji Bridgeman, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, TEDx speaker, and executive presence coach, leads a session on communicating with clarity and listening like a leader.

Signature Event

Thursday, October 8 · 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Eastside Leadership Conference

Meydenbauer Center

Join hundreds of regional leaders at the Chamber’s flagship leadership event. New Execs attend as a cohort, with a full day of speakers, panels, and connections across the Eastside business community.

Panelists on stage at a Bellevue Chamber conference
Oct15Thursday

Open AI in the Workplace

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lincoln Square Collaboration Center

Yana Terukhova, Product Marketing & Growth Strategies, Microsoft

AI is at the top of everyone’s mind, but the long-term implications for business are still coming into focus. Yana Terukhova of Microsoft takes the cohort deep into what AI actually means for the workplace.

Oct22Thursday

Managing Turbulence: Next Week Will Be Better

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lincoln Square Collaboration Center

Amber Simonsen, Commercial Project Director, Alaska Airlines

Managing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and we can all stand to be more productive and focused. Amber Simonsen shares real-life strategies for being your best work self.

Oct29Thursday

All Roads Lead to Leadership

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lincoln Square Collaboration Center

Sam Cho, Commissioner, Port of Seattle

Leadership skills can always be sharpened, no matter how good you are at your job. Commissioner Sam Cho walks through authenticity, motivating others, and both taking on and giving up responsibility.

Nov5Thursday

Meeting Our Elected Leaders

12:00 – 1:00 PM · Bellevue City Hall

Mayor Mo Malakoutian, City of Bellevue & Rep. Osman Salahuddin, 48th District

What does being an elected official actually entail? Two Chamber favorites share their day-to-day work as local leaders and how business professionals can best engage with their representatives.

Nov12Thursday

Investing in Your Future

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Lincoln Square Collaboration Center

Hannah Grossblatt, Senior VP of Wealth Management, RBC & Chamber Board Chair

Talking about money can be uncomfortable. Not with Hannah Grossblatt. Get the laidback version of the why-you-should-be-investing conversation and learn how to make your money work for you, or at least not against you.

Signature Event

Wednesday, November 18 · 7:30 – 9:00 AM

Economic Forecast Summit

Hyatt Regency Bellevue

The Chamber’s member-favorite Economic Forecast Summit, presented by Bank of America, brings top financial minds to Bellevue each year. New Execs wraps with the region’s business community in one room.

A speaker at the podium of a Bellevue Chamber ballroom event
Jennifer Clark
We brought back the New Executives program because we saw a need for hands-on lessons in leadership, as people are craving mentorship and the strengthening of professional working relationships in the community. It’s not just about networking: It’s about building confidence and the skills to traverse the business landscape with ease.
Jennifer Clark Program Lead & Chamber VP, formerly Alaska Airlines
Investment

Program Pricing

Chamber Member

$900

First registrant, all nine sessions

$700 each additional registrant per company Save $200

Non-Member

$1,000

First registrant, all nine sessions

$800 each additional registrant per company

Pricing covers the full Fall 2026 program, including the Eastside Leadership Conference and Economic Forecast Summit.

Think This Might Be for You?

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are open. We’d love to see yours.

Apply Now
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