Kelsey Gerber among chamber’s 2025-26 Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham class
Kelsey Gerber, program manager at The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, was selected among 23 area professionals for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce’s annual leadership program.
As a member of the 2025-26 Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham cohort, Gerber will participate in monthly sessions to build awareness of and engagement with the local community, enhance team leadership skills, create networks, and work on a service project.
“Though I’m a county native, there’s always more to learn about this community as it grows and changes,” Gerber said. “I love meeting new people and hearing their perspectives, so I am excited to grow as a professional within this cohort. I’m also looking forward deepening my knowledge of the needs of this community and gaining useful problem-solving skills relevant to my work.”
Revlan Hill, the foundation’s executive director, recommended Gerber for the program. She noted that the foundation’s staff work diligently to steward more than $88 million dollars on behalf of donors for the philanthropic benefit of the community and that each team member plays an important role in this work.
Gerber’s first position with the foundation was in donor services and social media. She was recently promoted to program manager.
“Kelsey’s new role will require a nuanced understanding of city and county government, area demographics and needs, nonprofit organizations, and overall deficits and challenges,” Hill said. “I’m certain that her participation in the Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham program will grow her knowledge and capabilities in ways that will serve our work and the larger community. We’re thankful for this program and the way it brings together professionals to benefit the larger region.”
Gerber joins individuals representing a range of area businesses, including Interchange Group, Inc., LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Rockingham Cooperative, Dupont Community Credit Union, and Massanutten Resort.
The day-long sessions explore topics such as agriculture and sustainability, nonprofits, local government and public safety, economic development, education, arts and entertainment, and professional development.
Since 1979, more than 1,000 individuals have graduated from the program. A steering committee of program alumni representing prominent area businesses and educational institutions develop the curricula.
Gerber earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at University of Lynchburg, where she was a Westover Honors Fellow, a four-year participant in the Bonner Leaders program, and the 2023-24 Richard Clarke Sommerville Scholar, the university’s highest academic honor.
A similar program at Lynchburg made a discernable impact on the community, Gerber said. “It was encouraging to see a group of professionals who were not only eager to learn more about their city, but who wanted to put their learnings into action by meeting a need in their community. I look forward to seeing what my team and others contribute when we conclude our time together.”
