A long-running leadership program in Lawton is accepting applications through July 31 for its 2025–2026 class, offering residents a chance to grow their leadership skills while learning how to make a difference in the community.
Leadership Lawton-Fort Sill (LLFS) began in 1990, growing out of a group of local leaders who first started meeting in 1984 to find ways to strengthen leadership across the region. Since its official start, approximately 300 people have graduated from the program.
Each year, the program selects a new group of participants who commit to a 10-month journey, from September through May. Each month, participants attend one full-day, hands-on session that focuses on a specific part of the community such as local government, health care, education, economic development, and the military presence at Fort Sill.
“Each class day is designed to reveal a segment of the community that class members might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience,” Cindy Watkins, chairperson of Leadership Lawton-Fort Sill, told Southwest Ledger. “From Media Day, where the team sees behind the scenes at KSWO, The Lawton Constitution and local radio, to Fort Sill Day, where they can take part in a mock basic training drill and live fire event, each day is crafted to build understanding of the challenges and opportunities our community leaders face.”
Participants also meet lawmakers, interact with Fort Sill leadership and tour schools, hospitals and city departments to get a better understanding of the roles each play in supporting the community.
LLFS’s mission is to promote individual leadership growth in order to better serve Lawton and Comanche County. Watkins said the meaning of “success” often varies depending on the participant.
“Some people feel that building relationships with other community leaders is the measure of success, while others might judge their success based on the leadership lessons that are taught by our community leaders,” she said.
LLFS graduates include Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton), Class 28; Bernita Taylor, founder and CEO of MIGHT Community Development & Resource Center, Class 22; and Lawton City Councilman Allan Hampton, who represents Ward 5, Class 26.
Watkins said the program has also seen second-generation leaders emerge.
“Both David Madigan, president and CEO of Arvest Bank Southwest Oklahoma, and Max Sasseen Jr. of RE/ MAX Sasseen Realty Group were members of the very first class,” she said. “ Their sons, David Madigan III and Connor Sasseen, have now completed the program as well. It’s really encouraging to see the longevity of this program, and it shows how well respected it is in o ur community.”
LLFS organizers emphasize that the program is open to everyone living or working in the Lawton-Fort Sill area. The goal is to bring together leaders from different backgrounds and industries who are ready to take on tough local issues with fresh ideas.
“I’m constantly surprised at where I see great leadership,” Watkins said. “Sometimes the quietest, most unsuspecting individuals can demonstrate the greatest leadership when given the opportunity. We should never underestimate anyone.”
She added that one of the most lasting takeaways is how important strong relationships can be in leadership.
“This is a skill that stretches far beyond your work and professional life,” Watkins said. “We can demonstrate great leadership at home, in our social life, as a volunteer, as a mentor — it goes far beyond the workplace.”
Leadership Lawton-Fort Sill is coordinated through the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. To apply or for more details, visit https:// llfsok.com, call (580) 3553541 or (580) 713-1293.