“Selection of these top candidates requires a balance of occupation, qualifications and a representation that reflects a cross-section of the county. Over the coming year, this diverse group will gain a true understanding of the people and issues shaping our community’s future – and more importantly, how they can impact those issues,” said Executive Director of Leadership Gwinnett, Lisa Zaken.
These 40 leaders have been selected because of their influence, commitment, and dedication in their field of expertise. Since 1985, Leadership Gwinnett has graduated nearly 1,200 alumni, a powerhouse of influence and networking, who continue to champion the betterment of Gwinnett County.
“We don’t have to look or think alike, we just have to have the passion to make a change,” said Kim Hartsock, Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2018 graduate and Partner at Warren Averett, LLC.
The 2019 Leadership Gwinnett program kicks off in August with an orientation, an opening retreat, seven learning days, monthly study groups, tours and hands-on experiences within the county and a closing retreat. Through these efforts, the Class of 2019 will explore critical community issues, evaluate themselves as leaders, and build lasting relationships.
The Class of 2019:
Audrey Arona, Medical Director, GNR Department
Mary Beth Bender, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, Utilities & Parks
Gray Brantley, Attorney, Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C.
Gene Byce, Jr., President, Jireh Supplies, Inc.
Andrew Carnes, Sr. Director of Economic Development, Partnership Gwinnett
Fred Cephas, Assistant Chief, Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Meagan Cook, Key Account Manager, Scholastic Images/Balfour
Lisa D’Addieco, Director of Housing, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – GA Campus
Shon Davis, Principal, Alford Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Cherish De la Cruz, Founding Partner, Cherish De la Cruz Law, LLC
Doug Doblar, Teacher of the Year, R.D. Head Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Jose Doyague, Senior Account Executive, Red Hat, Inc.
Kara Dutton, Principal, Jackson Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Laura Gourley, Chief Financial Officer, Annandale at Suwanee, Inc.
Victoria Hawkins, Marketing & Communications Director, Explore Gwinnett
Jim Hollandsworth, Executive Director, Path Project
Sloan Jones, Associate Vice President of Communications, Georgia Gwinnett College
Bryon Letourneau, Director of Transportation Design, Pond & Company
Jun Lin, CEO, Forest Development Group, Inc.
Renee Liverpool, Regional Trainer – East Georgia, Weight Watchers, International
Galen Martin, Vice President, Technology & Operations, Gwinnett Technical College
John Moss, President, Interactive Business Technologies
Curtis Northrup, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Sugar Hill
Dana Pagan, Deputy Chief Assistant Solicitor-General, Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office
Nish Patel, VP and Administrator, Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth
Tyler Phillips, Senior Vice President, Quantum National Bank
Debra Potter, Director of Community Outreach, Perimeter Church
Bob Rodgers, CEO, Street Grace
Phil Sadd, Senior Account Executive, Finastra, Peachtree Corners City Council
Heather Sawyer, Deputy Communications Director, Gwinnett County Government
Jeff Smith, Police Captain, City of Lawrenceville
Courtney Spicer Adkins, Senior Assistant District Attorney, Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office
Shawn Still, President and CEO, Olympic Pool Plastering & Shotcrete
Linda Stratton, Mortgage Broker, Brand Mortgage
Nathan Umberg, AVP Commercial Relationship Manager
Belinda Walker, Property and Casualty Underwriter, State Farm Insurance Company
Wanda Weegar, Vice President/Branch Manager, Brand Bank
Amy Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer, Eastside Medical Center
Garrett Wiley, Commercial & Industrial Marketing Representative, Jackson EMC
Karen Winger, Transit Division Director, Gwinnett County Department of Transportation
About Leadership Gwinnett
Leadership Gwinnett, LLC is the home of two leadership programs. Leadership Gwinnett, a nine-month educational, networking and community development experience and Glance Gwinnett, a 2.5-day short program that gives a sneak peak of what the full program experience is all about. Both programs develop leaders that ultimately create a legacy of success by applying their talents to drive positive change for our community.
www.leadershipgwinnett.com
