Leadership Franklin-Simpson was organized in 1993 to facilitate the development of futuristic leadership for Franklin and Simpson County. The program helps individuals understand and appreciate the issues facing our community and gives them an avenue to become involved in community progress. The Leadership program is committed to developing leaders who have the skills and knowledge necessary to help our community grow and prosper.  Leadership Franklin-Simpson is a collaboration between the Simpson County Extension Service and the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce. 2024 marked the thirtieth year and fourteenth class of Leadership Franklin-Simpson. 

Leadership involves seven-day long sessions, one per month. It is an intensive program designed to help participants strengthen their leadership abilities by learning more about themselves, the local community, and working with others in their class.  At the conclusion of each Leadership Franklin-Simpson class, participants are responsible for developing and implementing a community project. 

The opening session helps everyone get to know one another and focuses on participants discovering their own personality types and leadership traits. In the following sessions, the class travels throughout Franklin to learn about business and industry, agriculture, local government, health systems, education, and non-profit organizations. The program closes with a banquet and graduation ceremony. Former leadership graduates serve as facilitators of the various educational days.

Sixteen individuals participated in the 2024 Leadership Franklin-Simpson Class. Based on surveys at the conclusion of the program 100% of respondents indicated that they have an increased understanding of their leadership style. 100% gained confidence in their overall leadership abilities and ways in which they interact with others. 100% also indicated that they plan to pursue some type of additional leadership role in the future. One participant stated, “The connections made will allow me to become integrated into a community that I fell in love with during my time with the program.” Another participant wrote, “It was incredibly helpful to learn not only how our community works but also what it needs as it grows.” The class recently made a presentation to the Franklin City Commission and with their approval is currently developing plans to implement a community splash pad and pavilion in the downtown Franklin area.