Lead Forward 2026

Develop the Leader Within

A Leadership Development Program for Professionals Ready to Lead with Confidence, Influence with Purpose, and Grow with Intention.

Leadership isn’t defined by a title, it’s built through intentional growth, meaningful experiences, and the ability to inspire others.

LEAD Forward is a 6-session leadership development program designed to equip professionals with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to strengthen their leadership skills and create a greater impact in their organizations and community.

What You’ll Gain

Gain insight for yourself and those around you through the DiSC Behavioral Assessment
Strengthen communication and relationship-building skills
Learn strategies for leading through change
Develop your personal leadership brand
Build confidence navigating difficult conversations and conflict
Create a personalized leadership action plan
Connect with local professionals and business leaders

Meet Your Facilitators

LEAD Forward will be led by three experienced facilitators who bring decades of combined experience in leadership development, communications, organizational strategy, and professional growth.

Tim Harms

Founder, Bonfire Learning

Tim Harms helps organizations build stronger workplace cultures through practical and engaging training experiences. With more than 30 years of leadership experience and 10 years of delivering impactful training programs, Tim brings a wealth of experience helping individuals and teams grow personally and professionally. His goal is simple: to create learning experiences that feel energizing, meaningful, and useful long after participants leave the room.

Amy Collier Carroll

Founder, ACC Strategies

Amy Collier Carroll brings 25 years of communications expertise and extensive experience helping leaders across business, government, and nonprofit sectors build clarity, credibility, and influence.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Organization Communication and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Amy specializes in coaching, communications strategy, leadership development, and executive consulting. She has developed numerous leadership initiatives designed to help employees strengthen their skills, improve performance, and succeed in the workplace. Amy is passionate about helping others discover their unique purpose and achieve their highest potential.

Craig Orona

Founder, Craig Orona Consulting

Craig Orona is the founder of Craig Orona Consulting, where he partners with nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses to support strategic planning, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational growth.

Previously serving as President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, Craig built a distinguished career designing innovative programs, strengthening organizational systems, and developing leaders who drive sustainable growth and long-term success. His leadership experience also spans organizations including the YMCA, Modesto City Schools, and Sierra Vista Child & Family Services.

Craig holds an MBA and brings more than three decades of leadership experience. He combines strategic vision, an execution-focused approach, and leadership insight to help organizations grow stronger, lead with purpose, and achieve lasting impact.

An active Rotarian and Past President of the Modesto Sunrise Rotary Club, Craig currently serves Rotary District 5220 as Youth Exchange Chair and Leadership Academy Chair. He also serves on the board of Love Stanislaus County and the Juvenile Justice Commission of Stanislaus County, while contributing to various local community initiatives and projects.

Program Details

September 10 – November 19, 2026
Every Other Thursday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
In-Person Training
PMZ Real Estate 1600 N Carpenter Rd, Modesto, CA 95351

Session Dates & Locations

Welcome Reception

Wednesday, September 2
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Modesto Chamber of Commerce
1114 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354