August 21, 2019
19-105
Locate South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ to Offer Regional Leadership Program
VALDOSTA — The fourth class of South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS, presented by Electric Cities of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ, will kick off Thursday, Aug. 22, at Southern Woods in Sylvester-Worth County. The class includes 41 participants representing 19 counties throughout the region.
South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS is an eight-month leadership experience that is designed to facilitate awareness of issues that are essential to the future success of the region. Through monthly site visits across the region and classes that include expert insight, participants become informed, aware, and educated leaders who are equipped with the skills and training needed to effectively lead South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ in the 21st century economy.
“Continuing to develop leadership skills and regional awareness throughout South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ will be key to our area continuing to grow jobs and strengthening relationships,” said Matt Reed, chairman of South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS and president of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ CEO. “Our class is a talented group of diverse individuals from all over our footprint.”
South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS was developed in 2015 as a partnership with the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Chamber of Commerce, the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ, and the region’s economic development professionals and affiliates that make up Locate South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ, a multi-county collaborative determined to create an environment in which business and industry can succeed and prosper.
Valdosta State University recently partnered with South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS to provide administrative, promotional, and creative services support to ensure the program’s sustainability. This work aligns well with ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s regional mission to provide South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ with the resources and support necessary to develop and sustain a higher quality of living, greater economic and community development, and inspired innovation.
“As a catalyst for regional comprehensive progress, ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ has an obligation to contribute to the development and well-being of the 41 South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ counties that we serve,” said Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ. “There is an inescapable linkage between the growth and success of South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ and the health of this university, and we are excited to collaborate with Locate South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ and help guide the development of a regional economic plan. Our faculty, staff, and alumni have the talent to be powerful engines of innovation impacting regional economic revitalization.”
Focused on creating a more competitive region, South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS participants will master the following concepts:
• Regional Identify and Influence, which includes creating a regional brand and identity for South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ that is recognized internally as well as externally, enhancing both perception and influence of the region across the state.
• Workforce Development, which includes the strategic alignment of public and private sectors — business, industry, and educational partners — to address key workforce development needs and challenges and to increase the economic viability of South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ.
• Collective Visioning and Planning, which includes developing leaders who understand the changing South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ economy and culture and recognize why it is essential to both think and act within a global context, working collaboratively to ensure the region’s success.
“South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS’ commitment to bringing together leaders from throughout South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ to address common concerns and opportunities represents a positive shift in how they think about leadership development,” said Matt Bishop, director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. “We are excited to be South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS’ partner in designing and implementing this unique regional leadership program.”
“We all have a responsibility to serve our South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ communities, and leadership is important to anything a community does, whether it’s economic development, community development, education, or health care,” said Darrell Moore, executive director of ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s Center for South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Regional Impact. “You have to have good people in leadership positions, and we have to do everything possible to develop that next generation of leaders.”
Sponsors of South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS include ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Power Company, ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµ CEO, AT&T, Colony Bank, CTSI, Andrew College, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority, Mitchell County Development Authority, Phoebe Worth, and Leadership Worth, Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce.
The members of the 2019-2020 South ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓÆµLEADS class are:
Lowndes County- Angela Ward, Anne Shenton, Corey Hull, Hilary Gibbs, Joe Sumner, Patrick Pearson, Stan Crance, Thressea Boyd
Randolph County- James McCoy, Kathryn Brown, Malanie Burnett, Rebecca White
Dougherty County- A.L. Flemming, Brianna Wilson, Bo Bird, Reedi Hawkins
Sumter County- Allison Stewart, Raven Payne, Torrance Choates, Will Peterson
Tift County- Chris Chammoun, M. Jay Hall, Wendy Harrison
Worth County- Karen Singletary, Lisa Dylinksi
Colquitt County- Josh Lovett, Preston Mobley
Decatur County- Amanda Glover, Lauren Minor
Grady County- Courtney King, Julian Brown
Lee County- Patsy Shirley, Taylor Brown
Mitchell County- Kasey Blackburn, Lindy Savelle
Ben Hill County- Hope Harmon
Brooks County- Tiffany Holmes
Coffee County- David Hughes
Crisp County- William Edwards
Irwin County- Cathy Stott
Thomas County- Lacey Ansley
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