Leadership Jackson was developed by the Greater Jackson Chamber in 1979 to build core leadership for West Tennessee – training young leaders to get involved and to identify people for a fast track to leadership. Being intentional about leadership development accelerated Jackson to creating informed, connected and passionate leaders who could step into active community roles.

After visiting several other communities that had already developed leadership programs, Leadership Jackson specifically for Jackson – combining the best aspects of leadership programs from across the South. A committee compiled key elements of the community that became the curriculum for the program. In 1995, C.O.P.E, which exposes people to team building, problem solving, and communication skills, was a major addition to the opening retreat of the program. It continues to have a huge impact on the development of class dynamics.