40th Leadership Jackson Graduation Ceremony to be Held June 24th

(June 14, 2021 4:07 PM) The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 40^th Leadership Jackson graduation program will be held at Spring Arbor University on Thursday, June 24^th. Leadership Jackson, presented by Consumers Energy, is a prestigious professional development academy directed by the Chamber forming tomorrow’s business and community leaders.

“I’m excited, on behalf of Consumers Energy, to celebrate the commitment to leading through community engagement in our hometown of Jackson. The Leadership Jackson program and this particular group of graduates have shown true agility completing the course during unusual times!” said presenting sponsor Consumers Energy’s Sharon Miller, Director of Strategic Talent Pipelines.

Craig Hatch, Chamber President/CEO said, “Leadership Jackson is one of the most influential Chamber programs offered. For 40 years this academy has positively affected all forms of leadership in Jackson County.”

Throughout their six-month educational journey, participants have had the opportunity to learn from non-profit, business, government, and community leaders on topics such as communication, teamwork, personal branding, nonprofit governance, financials, government, and trauma-informed workplaces. Additionally, participants were required to take part in learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

During the length of the program, participants had the opportunity to work directly with one of three local non-profits to plan and execute a service project addressing an opportunity/challenge as defined by the non-profit. These service projects give real-world experience to each participant while simultaneously allowing the organization to address an opportunity with a talented group of leaders. This year’s organizations were da Vinci Schools, Jackson Interfaith Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity.

The evening’s celebration will include final presentations from each of the three service project teams as well as remarks from Consumers Energy’s Sharon Miller, Doug Wilcoxson, Executive Vice President at Spring Arbor University, Gabriella Tackett as a 2021 participant, and Diane Washington (Class of 2006) as the 2021 Pat Carlton Leadership Jackson Alumni Award Winner.

For more information about the Celebration at Spring Arbor University on June 24^th, this fall’s class registration, or to learn more about the application to be the beneficiary of a service group project, please contact Tim Booth at 517-782-8221 or tim@jacksonchamber.org

2021 Leadership Jackson Participants

Del Belcher, Commonwealth Associates

Kathrine Best, Barker Weber Insurance Agency

Haley Bills, TRUE Community Credit Union

Kimberley Bishop, AARP Michigan

Carly Coxon, Lifeways Community Mental Health

Heather Easterday, US Staffing Agency

Brian Elliott, DisAbility Connections

Matt Heffernan, County National Bank

Haley Hoffman, Jackson Chamber of Commerce

Justin Hritzak, CMS Enterprises

Myeshia Jones