On Monday, August 15, 2016, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce announced the newest Leadership class at Savannah Rapids Pavilion during a “Meet the Class” Reception.  The Leadership Columbia County Class of 2017 is comprised of 32 business professionals from all over the area. 

Leadership Columbia County, a program of the Columbia County Chamber, is designed to expose business and area leaders to the opportunities and challenges facing our community as well as to promote and foster the development of leadership. The program educates and prepares community leaders who are committed to shaping Columbia County’s future, and allows class members to experience a high level of community awareness.  The 10-month program features day-long sessions that cover various topics such as law enforcement, healthcare, education and workforce, economic development and history of the county.

Members of the Leadership Columbia County Class of 2017 include: Ralph Alee, Augusta University; Andy Allen, Brenau University; Gary Bennett, Columbia County Board of Commissioners; Ashley Bethune, ADP, LLC; Matt Biasiny, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC; Stephen Bradshaw, Queensborough National Bank & Trust; Steve Cassell, Columbia County Board of Commissioners; Jodi Cunningham, Doctors Hospital of Augusta; Debra Dakuras, Georgia Bank and Trust; Tad Gomez, Augusta University Medical Center; Sabrina Griffin, Comcast Spotlight; Jeff Hendrickson, University of Phoenix; Linda Hughes, University Health Care System; Mike Ingham, Southeast Restoration Group; Gia Johnson, Augusta University; Robert Kelly, Augusta Staffing; Elizabeth Lamb, Doctors Hospital of Augusta; Mike Linke, Martin Marietta; Tom Lowenkamp, University Health Care System; John Luton, Columbia County Board of Commissioners; Rose Marie Marshall, Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate; April Porterfield, Porterfield Farms International; Sherry Sanders, The Augusta Chronicle; John Snider, SME CPAS; Kyle Waddell, Fulcher Hagler LLP; Shelia Wahman, Fleming & Nelson Law Firm; Kathy Wideman, WJBF-TV Augusta; Russell Wilder, Top Shelf Cigar & Tobacco Shoppe; Kathie Williams, Cornerstone Academy; Connie Wilson, Sherman and Hemstreet; Rex Wright, Oakey Grove Baptist Church; and Craig Young, Comcast Spotlight.