Leadership Cherokee

Class of 2027 Nominations are open

September 1 – September 30.

Program details can be found at the bottom of this page.

LEADERSHIP CHEROKEE CLASS OF 2026

Photo ID: Front Row (l to r): Lisa-Marie Haygood, Cherokee County Educational Foundation; Michelle Dissman, Cherokee County Solicitor-General’s Office; Alessandra Hale, Coosa Valley Credit Union; Nick Carberry, Carberry Consulting; Tia Bryller, Cherokee County School District; Meg Davidson, Woodstock City Church; Corie Stawicki, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Christin Becker, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce; Lee Smith, Cherokee Office of Economic Development; Hailey Gagner, Cherokee County Family and Children Services.

Back Row (l to r): Alex King, Source Fitness Management; Mike Rostin, Chick-fil-A; Palmer Rogers, City of Ball Ground; Jacky Cheng, City of Canton.; Lee Oliver, Thrive Canton; Kaycee Smith, In Harmony Pediatric Therapy; Kasey Smith, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Jaimie Sims, EmpowerME Wellness; Steve Shrout, Cherokee Recreation & Parks.

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP CHEROKEE?

As strong leadership is a prime ingredient in the continuing development of any community, the Chamber’s Leadership Cherokee program educates existing and emerging leaders. If Cherokee County is to achieve its potential, people must be aware of the social, economic, educational, and governmental needs of the community.  Participants benefit from getting to know each other and from the formal and informal exchange of ideas and experiences. They gain knowledge from the overall program on many subjects, thus preparing them for a more active leadership role in the community.

Over the nine-month long program, Leadership Cherokee participants are required to attend an orientation, a retreat, eight class sessions and a graduation ceremony.  Commitment to 100% attendance is required of each participant. Founded in 1987, Leadership Cherokee includes over 770 Alumni.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Leadership Cherokee desires to select a diversified group in terms of race, sex, and occupation. Individuals represent areas such as business, social services, government, cultural, and educational organizations. Class members must live and/or work in Cherokee County as of the time they submit their application.

HOW IS ONE ACCEPTED INTO LEADERSHIP CHEROKEE?

An individual may nominate themselves or may be nominated by a firm, an organization, or individual. Following the nomination period, September 1 – September 30, nominees will be asked to complete a detailed application to be submitted to the Chamber office by a specified date. Based upon the number of applications received, the Chamber will determine the number of candidates who will receive an interview. Interviews will be conducted by a panel of Chamber volunteers and Leadership Cherokee Alumni who will select the incoming class.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF PARTICIPANTS?

Over the nine-month long program, Leadership Cherokee participants are required to attend an orientation, a retreat, eight class sessions and Graduation. Commitment to 100% attendance is required of each participant.

WHAT IS THE COST OF LEADERSHIP CHEROKEE?

Tuition for the Class of 2027 is $1,600 for Chamber members/$1,850 for non-Chamber members with the amounts for the following year being announced in conjunction with the acceptance of nominations. Participants are responsible for paying his/her own tuition or making arrangements for payment by his/her employer and/or a sponsoring organization. The fee will be due the first week in January and covers meals, lodging, honorariums for speakers, a graduation event, and miscellaneous administrative costs.