Leadership San Antonio

In partnership with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Leadership San Antonio is the premiere leadership program in the state of Texas now having served for over 40 years. LSA is a calendar year program that runs from January thru October. Application forms are typically released by the chambers in the late Summer and are due in October, with interview and selection occurring in November.


LSA is a partnership program between the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the goal of educating and motivating leaders to become involved in the Chambers’ Councils and Committees and spark a volunteer spirit in our local community boards and programs.

Connect with Alumni:

The Greater San Antonio Chamber and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber Name Chairs for 2027 Leadership San Antonio Program

September 25, 2026
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have announced the Co-Chairs of the 2027 Leadership San Antonio (LSA) Program: Luisa Casso, Chief Advisor, Casso Consulting Solutions, LLC and Richard Delgado Jr., Senior Community Investor, The Boeing Company. Created in 1975 by The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, LSA is considered the premier program for leaders in the Bexar County and surrounding areas. The program, one of the first of its kind in Texas, has graduated more than 2,000 participants. LSA educates these leaders in the vital areas affecting San Antonio, as well as encourages Chamber Business involvement and Community advocacy. Appointed by the Board Chairs of each Chamber, the LSA Chairs provide leadership and guidance to the LSA Steering Committee, which consists of a small and focused team of LSA alumni. Collectively, they recruit the members for LSA Class 51, guiding an impactful experience of the inner workings of San Antonio and the surrounding region. "Leadership San Antonio has spent five decades developing leaders who understand that true leadership is not simply about holding a position-it is about accepting the responsibility to serve, connect and create meaningful change," says JD Salinas, 2026 Greater San Antonio Chamber Board Chair and Vice President of AT&T External and Legislative Affairs. "As we welcome Class 51, I am excited about the talent, diverse perspectives and energy this next generation of leaders brings to San Antonio. The legacy of LSA is strong, but its greatest opportunity is always what comes next. I look forward to working alongside this class as they build relationships, challenge conventional thinking and help shape a stronger, more prosperous future for our city." In 1992, The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber joined The Greater Chamber to co-host the program, enhancing the involvement and diversity of future classes. "San Antonio's future is strengthened when we bring together leaders from different backgrounds, industries, and walks of life to learn from one another and better understand the community we all serve," says Lisa Navarro-Gonzalez, 2027 San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. "LSA51 continues a proud partnership between the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber and the Greater San Antonio Chamber to educate emerging and established leaders on the issues shaping our city while encouraging meaningful civic engagement. As the SAHCC 2027 Chair-Elect, I'm proud to help carry this legacy forward and excited to welcome a new class whose experiences and perspectives will not only enrich the program, but strengthen the leadership that makes San Antonio such a special place." Each year, there is a laser focus on the city's growing industries, while highlighting the important role the Chambers play in the San Antonio business, political and civic communities. The goal is to reinforce Chamber involvement and in the community, staying connected, and giving back. Since 1975, LSA has been recognized as the premier leadership development program in the Alamo Region, providing participants a unique experience to expand their service to San Antonio. The jointly sponsored program identifies individuals who have demonstrated leadership in their chosen profession and are active in community organizations that support San Antonio's growth and development. "Serving as Chair of Leadership San Antonio Class 51 is both an honor and a responsibility. Leadership is about bringing people together, listening to different perspectives and turning connection into meaningful action," states Delgado. "LSA Class 51 has an incredible opportunity to honor the legacy of Leadership San Antonio as we build relationships, deepen our understanding of San Antonio and explore how we will contribute to the future of our community - while boldly embracing what comes next." "I believe San Antonio's future depends on leaders willing to move forward with conviction, even when the path is not fully clear," says Casso, LSA Class 39 graduate and Steering Committee Mentor of LSA 42 and 45. "Leadership means telling the truth, making the hard call, and building the trust that lasting change requires. I am honored to bring that belief into this year's Leadership San Antonio class." For individuals interested in applying for LSA 51, CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 11:59 PM (CT) ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026. For questions regarding LSA, contact Angela McClendon Johnson, Vice President of Education, Workforce and Leadership at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, at amcclendonjohnson@sachamber.org. -- About Greater San Antonio Chamber: The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is the preeminent voice of the San Antonio business community. As the largest business association in the region, the Greater Chamber advocates on behalf of the business community at the local, state, and federal levels; collaborates with educational institutions and organizations to build a stronger workforce for the future; and provides a way for businesses of every size to build their network. About San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the leading resource, advocate, and access point for Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business, and the Hispanic market. A strong advocate for Hispanic business and Hispanics in business since 1929, the Hispanic Chamber is the first Hispanic Chamber in the United States to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announce 48th Class of Leadership San Antonio

November 30, 2023
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the 67 individuals who will make up the 48th class of Leadership San Antonio (LSA).

Leadership San Antonio Class 46 Embarks on an Immersive Experience to Understand the Journey of Military Life

By Website Editor • May 9, 2022
San Antonio’s history is intrinsically linked to the military since the missions were first established three hundred years ago. On May 4, LSA 46 class had an immersive experience into the journey of military life, its challenges, and its contribution to the fabric of our nation and our communities. Military day’s mission was to build a stronger bridge between the military community and business/civic leaders in Military City USA by informing, educating, and sensitizing LSA members about the true experience of military life.

Leadership San Antonio Class 46 Takes a Comprehensive Look at Educational Equality

By Website Editor • April 21, 2022
Adversity, equality and access to education was the theme of Leadership San Antonio’s most recent class day on April 6, which happened to coincide with San Antonio’s Fiesta celebration. The class heard from educational leaders, elected officials, teachers, and most importantly, the students themselves as they took a deep dive into issues affecting equal access to education in our city.
Leadership San Antonio

San Antonio Chamber and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber Name Co-Chairs of 2022 Leadership San Antonio Program

By Website Editor • August 19, 2021
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are excited announce the Co-Chairs of the 2022 cohort of Leadership San Antonio (LSA Class 46): Stacy Pozza Larson, former Senior Vice President of Frost Bank and Anne-Marie Grube, Director of Operations for Avante Wealth.

Leadership San Antonio Class 45 Volunteers at Alamodome Vaccination Site

By Website Editor • February 26, 2021
On an icy 29°F, February 13th, 14 Leadership San Antonio (LSA) Class 45 members gathered at Lot C of the Alamodome. Sharing breakfast tacos, waters, and snacks, the team prepared for a long 12-hour shift as Alamo Area Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers. At 7:45 a.m., LSA45 filed down the stairs, under the train tracks, and into Gate 5 for volunteer check-in. Masked, dressed in layers, and practicing social distancing, the team signed waivers and donned blue volunteer vests. The group returned to the volunteer bullpen in the Alamodome’s hallway for a greeting and brief introduction from the City of San Antonio team members. And we were off!

The LSA Mission:

To help mold sensitive, responsible and committed leaders and thereby ensure a prosperous future for San Antonio.

This is like no other leadership program in the surrounding area! By taking proven leaders in the community who have passed through the gates of LSA, leveraging their vast and diverse networks and experiences, LSA Class members are promised a year of “firsts”: highlighting areas of great importance to our city’s growth, success, and global impact and engagement. Each class day tackles a slew of issues that range from solutions to homelessness, diving deep into cutting edge developments in education, biomedical research, cybersecurity, military missions, to events and organizations that celebrate our local heritage and culture, travel and tourism, and more. Each LSA class member will meet new ideas head-on, obtaining both personal and professional development!

LSA Application Details

Applications for the 2022 class year have closed.


LSA seeks individuals dedicated to serving their community. Participants of the program will be given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the San Antonio area. This coming year, LSA will be dedicated to exploring the long-term goals and promise of San Antonio. Rather than examining the latest developments and short-term urban trends impacting our city, LSA will consider the issues and trends that will impact San Antonio over the next generation of its populace. Whether it’s the impact of changing demographics on our natural resources and infrastructure, the correlation between elementary school reading levels and workforce development, the effects of technology on health care for an aging populace, or the long-term development of our urban core, LSA aims to tackle San Antonio’s future…today.

LSA is limited to approximately 50 participants annually. Acceptance into the program is based on a subjective assessment of the information each applicant provides in this application, as well as a second round in-person interview, if selected.

The LSA Selection Committee is comprised of LSA Alumni. The selection is highly competitive with more applicants than class positions, therefore applicants who are not accepted are highly encouraged to reapply the following year.


APPLICANT COMMITMENT:
The applicant acknowledges that attendance is MANDATORY during all class days, retreats, and class day planning sessions. Absence at any of these scheduled events, without advance approval from Chamber staff and the LSA Co-Chairs, on more than one (1) occasion may result in expulsion from the class, ability to complete the remaining class days, as well as lose an opportunity complete the program, without reimbursement of tuition and fees. Your participation in the program reflects on the LSA program itself, as well as you individually and within your organization. Please be mindful of the time commitment prior to applying.

Engaging in improper, threatening and/or harassing behavior at any LSA event may lead to removal from the program without reimbursement of tuition and fees.


EMPLOYER COMMITMENT:
The employer approves of the agreement above, which acknowledges the time commitment of the Leadership San Antonio program required by their employee as a participant. The employer also acknowledges that failure to join at least one of the sponsoring Chambers of Commerce within 30 days of employee’s selection and remain a member in good standing throughout the entire class year will result in the participant’s immediate dismissal from the program. Employer agrees to hold applicant (employer) accountable, if accepted, to show a high level of participation and engagement within the program.


Mandatory Attendance Dates:
Retreats include overnight accommodations.
Class day commitment will be from approximately 7am to 5pm with optional after-hours events from 5-7pm.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Have lived in and/or worked in the San Antonio area for at least one year at the time of the application.
  • Persons related by marriage may not apply for the same class year.
  • Within 30 days of selection, you must become a member of one of the sponsoring Chambers of Commerce (either Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – membership in both is encouraged) and remain a member in good standing throughout the entire LSA year. Failure to remain a member will jeopardize participation in LSA and/or final graduation.


SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Show a sincere interest in and commitment to improving the community.
  • Have the desire to increase service to the community through holding key leadership positions.
  • Present a clear vision for the development and growth of San Antonio.


PROGRAM COST:

  • Applicants must submit a $50 non-refundable application fee due with the application. 
  • Class members accepted into LSA must submit a non-refundable tuition fee of $2250.00 payable to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.


Formal written requests must be submitted within 30 days of selection into the program for:

  1. Payment plans: bi-annual, quarterly, or monthly payments.
  2. Small Business, Non-Profit 501(c)3, Veteran, and Minority Owned Needs Based Scholarships for partial and full tuition.


If not already a member of either sponsoring Chamber, a separate membership fee will be required which will vary upon desired level of membership within 30 days of notice of selection.