September 15th, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Leadership Cape Cod announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) class of 2026. The organization also announced the appointment of four dynamic community leaders to its Board of Directors, bringing a combination of fresh perspective and experienced leadership to advance the organization’s mission of inspiring, developing, and connecting current and future leaders for the betterment of the Cape Cod region.
The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is the foremost program that is offered by Leadership Cape Cod and has run since 1992. CLI has fostered the growth of current and future community leaders on Cape Cod and has graduated more than 800 individuals in the community. Each year, program participants learn about the current and developing issues facing Cape Cod and how they can become more involved in addressing these regional issues. This rigorous and diverse program is presented annually from January to June and immerses participants in all areas of the Cape Cod community and professional fields.
As the organization prepares to launch this year’s programs year, they are welcoming incoming Directors to their Board, all of whom are alumni of the CLI program. Alicia Conlin, Kara O’Donnell-Galvin, Bill O’Neill, and Margot Cahoon – a group that embodies Leadership Cape Cod’s commitment to community service, collaboration, and meaningful change joined the board this summer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alicia, Kara, Bill, and Margot to the board,” said Jacob Stapledon, Chair of the Leadership Cape Cod Board of Directors. “Each of them brings unique skills, professional insight, and a passion for Cape Cod’s future. Together, they strengthen our ability to cultivate impactful leadership across the Cape.”
New to the Board:
Alicia Conlin, Executive Director of WellStrong, Falmouth – was elected by her classmates to serve as the 2025 representative for the Community Leadership Institute (CLI.) A strong advocate for inclusive, recovery-friendly spaces, Alicia brings a deep commitment to community resilience. Her leadership at WellStrong, a nonprofit supporting individuals in recovery through fitness, mindfulness, and peer support, reflects her values of compassion, growth, and empowerment.
Returning Board Members:
Kara O’Donnell-Galvin, Executive Director of MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board, Hyannis, rejoins the board. Kara’s extensive experience in workforce development, youth programming, and economic advancement makes her a vital asset to the organization. She currently serves on several boards and councils across the region and is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders through Leadership Cape Cod and EforAll Cape Cod.
Bill O’Neill, Writer, Buzzards Bay, CLI Class of 2012 and former board president, returns to Leadership Cape Cod after several years away. A journalist, editor, and nonprofit fundraiser, Bill has served on the boards of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and Cape & Islands Self-Reliance, among others. His leadership experience and long-standing dedication to environmental and social justice enrich the organization’s strategic direction.
Margot Cahoon, PR Director, Two Crows Creative, Centerville — CLI alum and former board member (2016–2019), brings communications and marketing expertise to her role. As PR Director of Two Crows Creative, Margot helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations thrive through strategic messaging, branding, and public engagement. She also supports Community Programs at the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office and serves as a communications consultant for Decatur House Assisted Living.
Applications for this year’s Community Leadership Institute program open September 15th and will remain open until December 1st, 2025. The program begins on January 7th, 2026, with a program orientation dinner, with the first session beginning January 8th. Applications are being accepted on the organization’s website: https://leadershipcapecod.org/application/
About Leadership Cape Cod
Leadership Cape Cod is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which inspires, develops, and connects current and future leaders for the betterment of the Cape Cod community through educational programming, community service, and partnerships. Learn more at www.leadershipcapecod.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jacob Stapledon
Chair, Leadership Cape Cod
508-651-6626