Award-Winning Leadership Program

Number of Graduates as of August 2019:  322

All classes taught by existing county employees,

including past graduates

In August 2019, Chatham County government hosted its 17th graduating ceremony for its Leadership Academy, an award-winning program initiated to help employees gain the skills necessary to effectively manage their jobs and prepare them for expanded responsibilities.   

Retired County Manager Charlie Horne conceived the idea of the Leadership Academy, which was started in 2002 with a focus on building skills for supervisors. “Over time, staff tweaked the curriculum to as needed for changing needs, including reaching those who are not supervisors but can still be stronger leaders,” Horne said.

Over two years, those in the supervisory track must successfully complete 106 hours of classes, including 96 hours of mandatory classes and 10 hours of electives. The non-supervisory track requires 68 hours of classes, including 48 hours of mandatory classes and 22 hours of electives.

Classes range from effective communications and conflict management to budgeting and financial planning and computer classes.  

• Congratulations to Jennie Kristiansen (2009) for her promotion to Director of Social Services in 2014
• Contratulations to Anne Lowry (2008) for her promotion to Environmental Health Director in 2011 after completing the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Stacey Stuart (2009) was promoted to Tax Exemption Specialist while she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Jennie Kristiansen (2009) was promoted to Interim Services Program Administrator at Social Services while she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Jenny Williams (2003) who was promoted to Central Permitting Director after she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Dina Reynolds, (2007) on her appointment as the Executive Director of the United Way of Chatham County! 
• Congratulations to Susan Poe (2004) who was promoted to Communications Supervisor after she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Vicky (Calise) Guetgemann (2005) who was promoted to Administrative Assistant II in the Health Department after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Mike Roberson (2006) who was promoted to Detention Captain in the Sheriff's Office and then to Chief Deputy, after he completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Elizabeth Plata (2006) who was promoted to several positions in the Health Department, Manager's Office and Information Technology after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Kristin Allen (2006) who was promoted to Water Treatment Plant Operator after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Charles Gardner (2007) on his appointment as the Narcotics Captain in the Sheriff's Office! 
• Congratulations to Angela Birchett (2003) who was promoted to Zoning Administrator in the Planning Department after she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Mark Ellington (2007) who was promoted to MIS Director after he completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Jeannie Ellington (2007) who was promoted to Manager of Senior Center Operations after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Bonnie Dukeman (2007) who was promoted to Public Health Nursing Supervisor II after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Dolly Huffman Clayton (2005) who was promoted to Social Work Supervisor II after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Cindy Snipes (2005) who was promoted to Economic Services Manager after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Miranda Moore (2006) who was promoted to Income Maintenance Supervisor II after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Tracy Kelly (2007) who was promoted to Operations Captain in the Sheriff's Office after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Rebecca McIver (2005) who was promoted to Central Permitting Coordinator after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Brenda Williams (2005) who was promoted to Soil and Water District Administrator after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Marilyn Collins Grant (2003) who was promoted to Safety and Risk Manager after she completed the Leadership Academy! 
• Congratulations to Alana R. Coore (2008) who was promoted to United Way Finance Officer while she completed the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Jason Sullivan (2010) for his promotion to Planning Director after completing the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Joseph Parker (2010) for his promotion to Technical Services Manager after completing the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Ken McDaniel (2010) for his promotion to Administration Lieutenant after completing the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Leslie Farrow (2010) for her promotion to Social Worker Supervisor III after completing the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Chris Cooper (2011) for his promotion to Jail Transition Lieutenant while completing the Leadership Academy!
• Contratulations to Bryan Phillips (2011) for his promotion to Patrol Lieutenant while completing the Leadership Academy!
• Congratulations to Doug Stuart (2007) for his promotion to Captain after completing the Leadership Academy!