Submitted photoLeadership Thomas Class 36 participants at the Opening Retreat in Callaway Gardens. From left to right are Krista Peace, David Hower, Patrick Harden, Michael Barr, Adrian Burns, Claire Bowen, Brett Barclay, Ansley Lacy, Elijah Miranda, Ashley Griffin, Wendy Greene, Ashley Cason, Joan Sowell, Trent Reynolds and Natalie Simpson.

Leadership Thomas is a program of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. It cultivates a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community. Each year the class is balanced with individuals from different backgrounds, and this contributes to their success. In May 2018, 15 people were accepted into Leadership Thomas Class 36 and on June 6, 2019, they graduated from the program with a private ceremony at the chamber.

Each of the leadership sessions is designed to teach participants about themselves and the community. This education, coupled with the individual’s initiative, has resulted in many alumni getting more involved in local organizations, elected to public office and serving the community in other areas. One month, members may be seen touring a local industry or visiting with city and county departments and the next riding on a wagon with Birdsong Nature Center staff, or hearing the clank of prison doors closing behind them as they tour the jail. Each month’s session also includes leadership training through curriculum provided by The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

Participants in Class 36 included:

• Brett Barclay, Secure Records Solutions

• Michael Barr, Michael Barr State Farm

• Claire Bowen, Community Foundation of South Georgia

• Adrian Burns, The Gathering Place

• Ashley Cason, City of Thomasville

• Wendy Greene, Family Enrichment Group

• Ashely Griffin, Archbold Medical Center

• Patrick Harden, Evoqua Water Technologies (DAVCO)

• David Hower, City of Thomasville

• Ansley Lacy, New Hire Solutions

• Elijah Miranda, The Vashti Center

• Krista Peace, TNB Financial Services

• Trent Reynolds, Thomas County Public Library

• Natalie Simpson, Flowers Foods

• Joan Sowell, Thomasville Entertainment Foundation

Leadership Thomas Class 37 has already been chosen, but for more information on participating in Leadership Thomas Class 38, contact Christina Reneau at (229) 226-9600 or christina@thomasvillechamber.com.