On February 20, 2026, Leadership Napa Valley’s Education Day explored Napa Valley’s educational landscape. The day started at the Napa County Office of Education, where Superintendent Josh Schultz outlined the county’s educational structure, followed by tours of new preschool classrooms and a Wellness Center. Next, we traveled via electric school bus to Alta Heights Elementary, where NVUSD Superintendent Dr. Rosanna Mucetti shared candid, data-driven insights about the district, followed by a school tour. At Silverado Middle School, students warmly welcomed us and led a tour of their campus. Lunch at Camille Creek featured a student panel, offering firsthand perspectives on their educational experiences within NVUSD, followed by a tour of the school’s programs. The day concluded at Napa Valley College, where President Dr. Torence Powell highlighted higher education initiatives, ending with a social at the college’s winery. This immersive experience showcased both the challenges and successes of Napa Valley’s education system, inspiring attendees to consider how they can contribute as community leaders. It was a truly impactful and thought-provoking day!
On Tourism Day, Class 38 got a true taste of why millions of visitors travel to Napa Valley each year. Thanks to the incredible hospitality of the Visit Napa Valley team, we spent the day exploring our own backyard like excited tourists, enjoying a delicious lunch at Louis M. Martini and wonderful wines at Goosecross Cellars. Platypus Tours whisked us around the valley as we visited standout lodging destinations, including two beautifully restored historic inns, The George and The White House near Downtown Napa, along with the stunning Alila hotel in St. Helena. In the afternoon, leaders from the founding and management of the Tourism Improvement District shared how essential our hospitality industry is in generating TOT dollars that support every city's general fund and help each community share its unique story. It was an inspiring day that showcased the incredible range of experiences waiting for visitors and locals alike.
For Immediate Release
Application Period Open for Leadership Napa Valley Class 39
-Deadline is April 3, 2025-
NAPA COUNTY (February 17, 2026) – Applications are now open for Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) Class 39, a long-standing community leadership program dedicated to developing, inspiring, and engaging current and future leaders in Napa County.
Leadership Napa Valley welcomes applicants from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who live or work in Napa County and are interested in strengthening their leadership skills and community involvement.
Participants will strengthen their leadership skills, gain insight into key community issues, build lasting relationships with other local leaders, and collaborate on projects that create meaningful community impact — all while having fun.
Class 39 will meet 16 times from August 2026 to June 2027, covering topics such as tourism, agriculture, criminal and legal justice, business and economic development, government, health and human services, education, and arts and culture. Participants will also collaborate on a team project designed to create a lasting positive impact on the community.
Prospective applicants are invited to attend one of the following informational sessions:
RSVP is requested: Leadership Napa Valley - Events
Criminal and Legal Justice Day was an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes look at how public safety and justice work together in Napa County. The day kicked off with an introduction to local law enforcement agencies, giving participants a clear picture of how the agencies intersect to serve the community. We then toured the brand-new Napa County jail facility, gaining firsthand insight into modern corrections and rehabilitation efforts - followed by a much-appreciated lunch from Mother’s Tacos!
The afternoon featured powerful presentations from the Napa County Victim Witness Program and Judge Lind, highlighting the human impact of the justice system and the importance of accountability, compassion, and due process. The day wrapped with an engaging Q&A panel that brought it all together, featuring the Sheriff, Police Chief, Public Defender, Deputy District Attorney, and Judge Lind. Their candid discussion sparked thoughtful questions and real-world insight into leadership, ethics, and collaboration in government.
LNV participants left informed, inspired, and energized about civic leadership and public service.
Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) is pleased to announce upcoming Informational Mixer dates for individuals interested in applying to Class 39, our next cohort of community leaders.
Leadership Napa Valley is a premier leadership development program designed to connect, educate, and empower individuals to become more effective leaders in business, government, and community service. Through immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences and collaboration with a diverse group of participants, LNV equips leaders with the skills, insight, and relationships needed to help shape Napa Valley’s future.
Participants in Leadership Napa Valley will:
Gain insider insight into Napa Valley’s government, economy, and community
Build lasting relationships with a diverse and influential network of leaders and alumni
Develop critical leadership skills to drive meaningful change
Participate in hands-on projects that create real community impact
Whether you are a business professional, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or civic-minded resident, Leadership Napa Valley offers a unique opportunity to elevate your leadership and service.
Thursday, March 5 Napa Valley College – Wine Education Complex 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa
Thursday, March 12 Napa Valley Vintners 1475 Library Lane, St. Helena
Wednesday, March 25 Lucky Penny Productions 1758 Industrial Way #208, Napa
Those interested are encouraged to complete the Interest Form found on the APPLY TO LNV page to receive an invitation to attend an Informational Session and learn more about joining Leadership Napa Valley Class 39.
If Leadership Napa Valley has been meaningful to you, we invite you to share your experience and help spread the word.
Together, we’re building the next generation of Napa Valley leaders.
Shape the Future of Napa Valley — Join Leadership Napa Valley Class 39!
Do you know someone who’s passionate about Napa Valley and ready to make a lasting impact? Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) will soon begin accepting applications for Class 39, and we invite you to help us spread the word.
If LNV has been meaningful to you, share your story and encourage friends, colleagues, and community leaders to take part in this transformative experience.
Why Join Leadership Napa Valley?
Leadership Napa Valley is a premier leadership development program that connects, educates, and empowers individuals to become more effective leaders in business, government, and community service. Through immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences and collaboration with fellow participants, LNV equips leaders with the skills and relationships needed to shape Napa Valley’s future.
Participants will:
Connect with a diverse and influential network of leaders and alumni
Engage in hands-on projects that create real community impact
Whether you’re a business professional, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or civic-minded resident, Leadership Napa Valley will elevate your ability to lead and serve.
Interested? Complete the interest form to receive an invitation to our upcoming Informational Sessions and learn more about joining Class 39.
INTEREST FORM
Together, let’s build the next generation of Napa Valley leaders.
Leadership Napa Valley's Class 38 was welcomed to City Hall for Government Day which kicked off with a refresher on civics, an exploration of city and county budgets, and a fireside chat with Napa City Manager Steve Potter and Napa County CEO Ryan Alsop.
Class 38 next enjoyed lunch at the Napa City Fire Department where officials and members from various services in Napa County rotated through the tables for Q&A sessions. Deputy Fire Chief Ty Becerra facilitated a demonstration of the Fire Department’s receipt and response to a call, demonstrating how quickly the team mobilizes into action.
Then came the cornerstone of the day – a mock city council meeting where Class 38 took on roles like Mayor, City Council Member, Town Staff, and engaged citizens to debate two hypothetical scenarios – upholding the town ordinance on the number of chickens allowed per household and authorizing funding for a new sports complex.
We’re delighted to highlight an inspiring example of how Leadership Napa Valley alumni continue to foster and expand community-driven initiatives. Molly’s Angels was selected as a practicum project for Class 37, where team members Ana Baber, Anne Retterer, Jolie Baumgardner, Natalia Ramírez Guzmán, and Rigo Nava partnered with the organization to help broaden its offerings. Together, they introduced a free curb-to-curb van service for seniors living in Napa County. The van—purchased by Molly’s Angels with generous support from Napa County Health and Human Services—was a vital first step in launching a program aimed at reducing social isolation and improving quality of life by providing reliable transportation to community hubs such as the library, farmers market, senior center, and local shopping centers. .
What began with a single van on a targeted route has grown in response to community needs and feedback. One early innovative idea came from Ana Baber, who suggested expanding the service to include transportation to and from Agape Napa Valley, helping seniors access emergency food and essential services. This connection expanded the reach of the van program while weaving together two organizations committed to serving vulnerable populations.
“The practicum team brought us fresh eyes and bold ideas,” said Deveraux Smith, Executive Director, Molly’s Angels. “Their work didn’t just help us launch a service—it helped us build a bridge between seniors, food access, and community connection. We’re still seeing the ripple effects today.”
Reflecting on the project’s lasting impact, Ana Baber shared, “We wanted to design something that solved more than one problem. Connecting Molly’s Angels with Agape Napa Valley felt like a natural fit—two organizations caring for people in different but complementary ways. Seeing the partnership continue is incredibly rewarding.”
This collaboration is a powerful example of how LNV alumni and current members recognize and strengthen the interconnections between local organizations—working together to meet multiple community needs and amplifying their collective impact.
So, we ask you, our alumni: What stories do you have about your practicum projects? How have they lasted, evolved, and connected with other organizations to create meaningful, lasting change? We’d love to hear and share your experiences!
mailto:admin@leadershipnapavalley.org
Leadership Napa Valley Class 38 poured a lot of heart into Health & Human Services Day. The morning began with classmates dividing into small groups to visit community-based organizations across Napa County. Each group gained a behind-the-scenes look at how these partners support residents daily, asking thoughtful and sometimes tough questions to better understand their impact. Back on site, the HHSA mobile van rolled up, and Class 38 stepped inside to see how it delivers vital services directly into neighborhoods that need them most. Lunch was a true “LNV family” moment, catered by Winston’s Community Unity Project, led by Class 38’s own Cassan Macaraig! In the afternoon, participants rotated through HHSA divisions for a deeper dive into county services. They walked away with a clearer picture of the many hands and hearts needed to support the well-being of the Napa community. #LeadershipNapaValley #Class38 #NapaCounty #NapaHHSA #WinstonsCommunityUnityProject #LNVHealthDay #Community #NapaStrong
Agriculture Day gave Class 38 a front-row seat to what makes Napa Valley so special. From early-morning vineyard walks to conversations with growers, farmworkers, and community leaders, they saw firsthand how many people and programs are working to protect the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve. Federal, county, and city agencies, nonprofits, and industry groups all share one goal: keeping our valley’s farmland thriving for generations to come. It’s incredible to think that this collaboration fuels a $11 billion agricultural industry while preserving the land and lifestyle we all treasure. Organizations like the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, Farm Bureau, Grapegrowers, Vintners, and Winegrowers reminded the group that the Napa Valley’s success depends on both people and place. The day left Class 38 inspired by the partnerships, innovation, and heart that make this valley not just a world-class wine region, but a model for sustainable agriculture and community stewardship.
LEADERSHIP NAPA VALLEY
PO Box 686
Napa, CA 94559
info@leadershipnapavalley.org
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