2026 East Bay Leadership Series

Presented by

Part 1 | Kickoff Event Featuring Stacey Abrams

January 29

For the kickoff to the 2026 East Bay Leadership Series presented by Kaiser Permanente, the East Bay Leadership Council is joined by Stacey Abrams, Political Leader, Business Owner and Bestselling Author.

Drawing on her experience at the intersection of politics, business, and civic leadership, Abrams will share actionable insights on the most pressing issues facing the East Bay today — from rising housing costs and aging infrastructure to climate risk and economic uncertainty — and how leaders across sectors can respond with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.

EBLC is proud to host this conversation designed to inspire, challenge, and equip East Bay leaders for the work ahead.

Part 2 | Former U.S Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta

Spring 2026

The 2026 East Bay Leadership Series continues with an exclusive conversation featuring former U.S Secretary of Defense and Director of the CIA, Leon Panetta. Unanimously confirmed in 2011 by the US Senate as the twenty-third secretary of defense, he has had a fifty-year career in public service at the highest levels of government.

As secretary of defense, he established a new defense strategy, conducted critical counterterrorism operations, and strengthened US alliances. As director of the CIA, he successfully led the operation that brought Osama bin Laden to justice. In this timely conversation, Panetta will reflect on the state of U.S. foreign relations, what the current moment signals for America’s role on the world stage, and how global instability affects regional economies, businesses, and communities including the East Bay.

Stay tuned for registration information soon!

Presenting Sponsor

Interested in sponsoring the series?

Send us a message or call (925) 246-1880