Leadership Cherokee

LEADERSHIP CHEROKEE CLASS OF 2023

Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2023 include:  Front Row (l to r): Delease Chester, Canton Tire & Wheel; Sheila Keeffe, His Hands Church; Barbara Corey, Wellstar; Kristin Norton Green, City of Canton; Jenna Geary, MUST Ministries; Anna Teal, Teal Marketing, LLC; Rebekah Gibson, Soil Erosion and Education, LLC.  Second Row (l to r): Jenn Goddard, RE/MAX Town & Country; Katy Leggett, City of Woodstock; Laura Gentilello, Woodstock West by Walton; Heddy Proctor, Next Step Ministries, Inc.; Mark Smith, Cherokee County School District; Chyretta Fullmore, Georgia Division of Family & Children Services; Courtney Argo, Goshen Valley Foundation.  Back Row (l to r): Chad Davis, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Kayla Cleveland, Cherokee County Office of the Solicitor-General; Casey Barton, City of Holly Springs; Lynne Saunders, Encompass Ministries; Michelle Meek, The Children’s Haven, Inc.; Marc Liscio, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services.

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 profit 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 670 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, August 1 – October 1, 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 each participant is $1,100 for Chamber members or $1,350 for non-Chamber members. 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.