CANTON, GA (January 16, 2026) – The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has selected the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2026. This 37th Anniversary Class was chosen following participation in a nomination, application, and interview process.
The 18 class members recently traveled to Bison View Lodge for their Retreat. “The group participated in both indoor and outdoor team building exercises that enabled them to learn not only about each other, but themselves through a look at personality types and communication styles”, said Jamie Gianfala, Chief of Police, City of Ball Ground, who is serving as the 2026 Chair of Leadership Cherokee.
Over the next nine months, the Leadership Cherokee Class will participate in a broad range of sessions that will focus on a variety of topics such as economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare, and social/human services. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony in September. “The knowledge gained from the programs offered through Leadership Cherokee will prepare the class members for a more active role in the community”, shared Debra Williams, Retail Market Leader/Senior Vice President, Synovus, and 2026 Incoming Chamber Board Chair.
The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber, is to promote business to expand the economy and enrich the community. For information on the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2026, visit the Chamber’s website, www.CherokeeChamber.com, or contact the Chamber office at 770-345-0400.
###
Please see below photo ID.
Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2026 include:
Front Row (l to r): Michelle Dissman, Office of the Cherokee County Solicitor General; Lee Smith, Cherokee Office of Economic Development; Alessandra Hale, Coosa Valley Credit Union; Christin Becker, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce; Corie Stawicki, Northside Hospital Cherokee.
Second Row (l to r): Jacky Cheng, Explore Canton/City of Canton; Lisa-Marie Haygood, Cherokee County Educational Foundation; Kasey Smith, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Tia Bryller, Cherokee County School District; Meg Davidson, Woodstock City Church; Palmer Rogers, City of Ball Ground; Nick Carberry.
Third Row (l to r): Alex King, Source Fitness Management; Kaycee Smith, In Harmony Pediatric Therapy; Jaimie Sims, EmpowerMe Wellness; Mike Rostin, Chick-fil-A Canton Riverstone Parkway; Steve Shrout, Cherokee Recreation & Parks; Lee Oliver, Thrive Canton.
