DANIELLE BARRECA and JILL TECHEL LEADERSHIP NAPA VALLEY
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ounded in 1987, the Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) program is the most prominent leadership program in the Valley, preparing its ‘students’ for effective participation in nonprofits, businesses, and government roles. Danielle Barreca serves as president, guiding the Board of Directors in decision making, program innovation, policy, and future growth, and Jill Techel, former mayor of Napa, serves as program coordinator, organizing and running the nine-month program. Through their partnership, this dynamic duo mentors future generations of local leaders – those who seek to be instigators of positive impact in the
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community. “We identify and develop individual strengths to help leaders become more effective,” said Techel, a five-decade resident of Napa who has worked with LNV since 1989 when she was a student in the second class; Napa’s City Manager recruited her after she ran a recreation bond for the City of Napa. “We also develop and work on team and collaboration skills, and we explore all aspects of Napa so leaders can see the complete picture.” Barreca has worked with LNV since 2015 when she was accepted into Class 29. After graduating, she joined the Board of Directors and became Chair of the Alumni Events Committee before accepting her
role as president. “Leadership Napa Valley was one of the most transformative experiences of my adult life,” said Barreca, who has worked in local real estate since returning to Napa in 2013 after living in the region as a child. “I gained confidence as a leader and was inspired to start giving back to my community and LNV as well. And that’s what LNV does - we inspire residents to give back in their own unique ways. Having involved and informed leaders eager to participate and volunteer in our community benefits everyone.” Added Techel, “We empower citizens to make a difference, whatever their passion.” // www.leadershipnapavalley.org Photo by Katherine Zimmer
