Special to Iredell Free News
The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Advisory Board hosted the 2023 2024 Leadership Statesville Class graduation on Thursday, May 2, at Twisted Oak American Bar & Grill to celebrate a year of achievement.
Leadership Statesville is a nine-month community leadership program sponsored by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the program is to develop qualified, highly motivated individuals who are interested in expanding their leadership roles at work and in the community by developing skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, and becoming more involved in the community as a whole.
A full day each month is dedicated to exploring the inner workings of the region’s government, educational system, economic development, service organizations, regional issues, leisure and culture, health services, and public safety. Class members have the opportunity to learn and practice skills critical to developing a leadership style for their career and to work with other organizations in the community. Included in this program is formal leadership training facilitated by Charles Page of Cool Spring Center, which is unique to other leadership programs.
Jon Madison, committee chair of Leadership Statesville, is passionate about this program. “Each year a dedicated group of individuals pour their time and energy into a Leadership Statesville class. Each class something new shines through,” he said. “This year’s theme seemed to revolve around connections. Through intentional leader development, community programs and a plethora of businesses, nonprofits and government entities this class emerged better connected to their community and each other. I couldn’t be prouder. Well done.”
Each year, class members work together on a project that benefits the community. This year the class partnered with The Foundry House to create a welcoming outdoor social meeting space.
At the graduation awards ceremony, Amber Weatherman spoke about why Leadership selected The Foundry House to support.
“We wanted to make a difference in the lives of individuals who struggle with addiction, as well as the challenges of re-entry into our community after incarceration,” she explained. “Addiction affects every aspect of our community, from families to businesses and schools, requiring additional local resources to deal with these issues. Goal is to assist these individuals to successfully recover and become contributing members to our community, then all this work is a great investment in their lives and their journey.”
This year, the Leadership class unanimously voted to present one of their classmates, Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees, with the Leading Leader Achievement Award.
“We wanted to acknowledge Glenn’s commitment to organizing and leading our group coordinating all aspects of completing the project,” said Joni Stone, participant from the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce. “Glenn’s enthusiasm to handle the operational aspect of the project went above and beyond, making sure everything was handled. He even took a vacation day to make up for bad weather. He definitely deserved to be acknowledged for his dedication.”
Previous Leadership Statesville graduates currently sit on various Boards of Directors throughout the city, consult and assist nonprofits, and volunteer to serve our community to improve the quality of life in our area, as well as stepping up to take leadership roles within their workplace.
Chamber Board Chairman Charles Ashe said the program is making a difference.
“I feel Leadership Statesville helps us build community and I am so proud of this program and how it serves to strengthen our budding leaders. I believe those who complete this program walk away with connections and knowledge they will use throughout their careers,” he said.
Leadership Statesville, Class of 2023-2024
♦ Amber Sanders, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County
♦ Amber Weatherman, Kleinhenz Holdings Inc.
♦ Amy Stevens, Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center
♦ Ayana Pass, Iredell Health System
♦ David Simmons, Doosan Bobcat
♦ Todd Black, Iredell EDC
♦ Elizabeth Gantt, EnergyUnited
♦ Emily Kurfees, City of Statesville
♦ Glenn Kurfees, City of Statesville
♦ H. Patton III, Statesville Recreation & Parks Department
♦ Jan Jenkins, Card My Yard
♦ Joni Stone, Greater Statesville Chamber Of Commerce
♦ Jordan Joines, Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C.
♦ Krystina Harmon, Piedmont HealthCare
♦ Lindsey March, Doosan Bobcat
♦ Lisa Booth, First Citizens Bank
♦ Liz Petree, Downtown Statesville Development Corporation
♦ Mary Kay Rayfield, Sherwin-Williams
♦ Melissa Prevette, J.C. Steele & Sons, Inc.
♦ T’Sha Harrison, Mitchell Community College
♦ Tammy Tillery, Jon C. Packman DDS
♦ Vivi Faxon, Kintegra Integrated Medicine
LEARN MORE
To apply for the 2024-2025 Leadership Statesville program please visit https://www.statesvillechamber.org/leadership-statesville/ for all the details and application. For more information, contact The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce at 704-873-2892 or jstone@statesvillechamber.org.