The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and William & Mary are pairing up for a new leadership development institute. The Williamsburg Institute will leverage “Williamsburg’s educational expertise to provide innovative leadership development opportunities rooted in history,” according to a news release. The institute is being helmed by Carly Fiorina, who serves as the chair of the board of trustees of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and Christopher Caracci, a faculty member at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business.
More than 170 people gathered on Duke of Gloucester Street on Oct. 6 for the institute’s inaugural event, which featured a conversation about navigating p o l i t i c a l shifts and differing ideologies b e t we e n 18th century figures. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and the Rev. Gowan Pamphlet were all portrayed by interpreters.
According to the institute’s website, WilliamsburgInstitute. org, the purpose of the body is to “assume a pivotal role in equipping leaders to promote civic engagement, foster thoughtful and collaborative problem-solving and advance an inclusive society with civility, authenticity and respect.”
Future offerings will include programming aimed at students and business professionals and community leaders as well as lifelong learners.
“The Institute will play a crucial role in education and preparing individuals to lead, solve problems, engage with others, and advance society,” Fiorina said in the release. “Now more than ever, particularly as we approach the 250th commemoration of founding as a nation, we need leaders who will create a more effective, engaged, civil, and inclusive society.”
Others on the board of directors include Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Jeff Trammell, former William & Mary rector and former board of visitors member; William & Mary Provost Peggy Agouris; and Kendrick Ashton, a member of William & Mary’s board of visitors.
“The Williamsburg Institute is a first-of-its-kind and unique learning organization,” Caracci said in the release. “With Williamsburg as its context, it will act as a bridge connecting our rich historical leadership heritage to both the present and future, informing the way for more effective leadership and civic engagement.”
