Chamber of Commerce announces Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024

Rockwall County Herald-Banner, Greenville, Texas
·2 min read

Oct. 2—Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024 at the Spring Hill Suites by Marriott with all class members attending an official orientation followed by an alumni mixer and announcement of class names.

During orientation, class advisers introduced the class to the mission, history and curriculum of Leadership Rockwall. A mixer event followed with several of Rockwall's community leaders and Leadership Rockwall alumni in attendance. The mixer served as an opportunity for this year's class members to meet and bond with alumni and potential mentors.

Leadership Rockwall was founded in 1997 with many prominent leaders graduating from the program. To name a few: Kevin Fowler, former mayor of Rockwall, Justin Holland, state representative; and Mary Smith, Rockwall city manager. The Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024 represents the 26th class to date.

The program is a nine-month, Rockwall County focused community leadership effort designed to develop the skills leaders need to excel. The program includes a combination of in-depth issue seminars and skill development exercises designed to enhance self-awareness of leadership approaches.

Participants are immersed in monthly full-day sessions throughout Rockwall County that include guest speakers, hands-on experiences, tours and relationship building opportunities. The goal of each class day is to challenge thinking and inspire participants to get involved in their community.

At the start of the program each year, participants are charged with the task of identifying a Rockwall County related issue, program or project that needs attention. After selection and approval of the project, the class then plans and executes a sustainable community project.

Advisers for the Class of 2024 are Darby Burkey, president and CEO of Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center; Shane Hollas, Maaco Rockwall; Sylvia Sotelo Kidd, Ebby Halliday Realtors; Kasey Hogland, Avidea Social; and Johnny Kirkpatrick, Raptor IT Solutions.

Members of the new class are Ben Alexander, Hanks Handyman Services LLC; Grant Buckholt, Northwestern Mutual; Victor Cantu,Toro Steam Cleaning; Dottie Corder, Young Chefs Academy; Sarah DiGirolamo, Rockwall County Elections; Keesha Dillard, Ebby Halliday Realtors; Ronald Dokken, Baylor Scott & White Lake Pointe; Spencer Foster, City of Fate; Bobby Gladu, Artisan Masonry; Justine Jones, Reborn Skin and Beauty; Ryan Joyce, Michael Joyce Properties; Yasamyne Korban, Rockwall ISD; Gunnar Ledermann, Divine Peace Church; Lauren Podina, Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas; Amanda Potthoff, American National Bank; Doris Richards, T&D Construction and Outdoor Living Inc.; Rachel Searson, House Master Home Inspections; Meagan Taylor, Texas Health Hospital Rockwall; Shannon Thompson, A Plus Payroll; Kristy Tyra, Oncor; David Vega, Rockwall Capital Group; and Janette Wold, Self Possessed Coaching.

You can learn more about Leadership Rockwall by visiting the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce website at rockwallchamber.org, or calling (972) 771-5733.