Members of the 2016 Leadership Liberty Class graduated and were recognized during a June 24 dinner.  Each graduate received a plaque from Liberty County Chamber of Commerce CEO Leah Poole to commemorate the achievement.

The group completed a nine-month course, which included team building and leadership classes at the Youth Challenge ropes course on Fort Stewart and tours of various local entities and organizations facilitated by the city of Hinesville, Liberty County government, the Liberty County School System, Liberty Regional Medical Center, Liberty County Health Department, Fort Stewart, Liberty County Development Authority and the Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In addition to learning about the county, the group worked to complete a project designed to improve the community and residents’ lives. The class organized a canned food drive, along with other sundry items for Tri County Protective Agency. They raised $1,000 to donate to those in need.

Graduates are Karen Branson, Georgia Technology Authority; Chris Ellison, The Heritage Bank; Kaytrina Curtis, Fort Stewart; Donald Carter, Coastal Electric Cooperative; Kris Johanson, Hinesville Fire Department; Jeannie Worthy, CH2M; Kathy Villafane, real-estate agent; Dr. Jennifer Walts, Board of Education; Carmen Williams, city of Hinesville; Derek Rozier, LRMC; Erin Johnson, Chamber; Barry Crocker, Cyntech; Lonnie Griffin, Savannah Technical College; Adam Rusgrove; Deedra Hinton, Fort Stewart; and Kenna Graham, CH2M.

Leadership Liberty’s goal is to develop civic leaders by educating them about the various resources available in the county. The program is designed to spark change through public service.

“Leadership Liberty was an amazing adventure,” said Ellison, who was class president. “Many of the things that I learned and experienced were things that I, most likely, would have never been exposed to if it weren’t for this class. However, my classmates and the relationships that I built with them are definitely the most valuable thing that I will take away from this class. It’s been said that ‘True leaders don’t create followers … they create more leaders.’ That is what Leadership Liberty is all about, creating new leaders and making current leaders stronger. I highly recommend this class to anyone who desires to be a better leader and to be more involved in their community.”

The program is open to anyone who wishes to make a difference in the future of the community, region and state.