Community Leadership Insights from Dan DeBone, LP XXXVII
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
— Dan DeBone, LP XXXVII“The program challenges participants to think beyond their own organizations, broaden their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region.”
Westmoreland County
Chamber of Commerce
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Name: Dan DeBone, LP XXXVII
Title: President & CEO
Organization: Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Q: Why do you care deeply about the success of this region?
A: In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly connected through emails, text messages, social media, and virtual meetings. Like many leaders, I often find myself balancing countless messages, meetings, and responsibilities throughout the day. As President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 1,000 members and growing, technology certainly helps us communicate and operate more efficiently. Yet despite all the advances in technology, I have learned that success is not built through technology alone—it is built through relationships.
The Chamber serves a diverse membership that includes small business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, healthcare providers, educators, and professionals from nearly every industry. The trust and confidence we have built throughout the years comes from meaningful conversations, personal engagement, one-on-one interactions, and genuine relationships. Leadership Pittsburgh reinforced a lesson that has become one of the cornerstones of my leadership philosophy: people do business with people, and strong communities are built through trust, collaboration, and human connection.
— Dan DeBone, LP XXXVII“If you are considering Leadership Pittsburgh, I encourage you to take the leap. The educational experience is exceptional, but the relationships you build may become a valuable investment you ever make in yourself. The connections, friendships, and experiences you gain will continue to benefit you personally and professionally for years to come and…the return on that investment will stay with you for a lifetime.”
Q: Have you had a transformational “a-ha” moment during your leadership journey? If so, please share.
A: During my time with Leadership Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to engage with an incredibly diverse group of professionals from across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through group projects, community experiences, and thoughtful discussions, we learned from one another while building friendships and professional relationships that have endured for years. What began as a leadership program quickly evolved into a network of trusted colleagues and friends. In fact, many years later, I still regularly communicate with numerous members of my Leadership Pittsburgh class. Sometimes it is simply reaching out to see how someone is doing. Other times it involves connecting businesses, collaborating on community initiatives, sharing ideas, opening doors to new opportunities, or helping someone expand their professional network. These relationships continue to provide value not only to me, but to the organizations and communities we serve. That is the true power of Leadership Pittsburgh—it creates connections that extend far beyond graduation.
Leadership Pittsburgh has earned its outstanding reputation because it brings together talented individuals from all walks of life who share a commitment to growth, service, and leadership. The program challenges participants to think beyond their own organizations, broaden their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region. More importantly, it teaches that leadership is not about titles or positions—it is about service, influence, and the ability to bring people together to create positive change.
— Dan DeBone, LP XXXVII“That is the true power of Leadership Pittsburgh—it creates connections that extend far beyond graduation.”
Q: Have you always been a leader or drawn to leadership roles? If no, what has changed? If yes, what has driven you to stay involved as a leader?
A: My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University. Both institutions provided me with a strong academic foundation and prepared me for the opportunities and challenges I would encounter throughout my career. However, Leadership Pittsburgh offered something that no classroom could fully replicate—the opportunity to build authentic relationships, gain real-world perspectives, and establish lifelong connections with individuals who continue to impact my life and career today.
Q: What identities or lived experiences have shaped who you are as a leader? How do these influence your leadership goals and leadership style?
A: Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from many outstanding mentors, educational opportunities, professional experiences, and leadership programs. While each has contributed to my growth in different ways, Leadership Pittsburgh stands out as one of many meaningful and influential experiences that helped shape the leader I am today.
Connect with Dan DeBone here.
