Leadership Asheville 24 Convenes

UNC Asheville’s Leadership Asheville Program held its opening retreat in September for the 20 members of the Leadership Asheville 24 class. The retreat kicked off the nine- month program that builds the skills, knowledge and network that enable participants to adopt leadership roles within their communities. During the program, the participants will explore a variety of topics, ranging from education and environment to local government and economic development in Buncombe County.

“Leadership Asheville gives graduates a better understanding of the history and potential of Asheville and Buncombe County,” said Gerry Goertz, Director of UNC Asheville’s Leadership Programs. “It also helps them define their personal role in the community’s leadership.”

Founded in 1982, Leadership Asheville helps members develop leadership skills such as collaborative problem solving, critical thinking and conflict management. The program also includes team service projects that help participants to improve their ability to work in teams and refine their leadership styles, while making contributions to the community. Over the last 23 years, Leadership Asheville has graduated more than 850 students representing a wide cross section of the region’s economic, service and governmental sectors.

The members of Leadership Asheville 24 and their employers are: Tom Abbott, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa; Lisa Adkins, YMCA of Western North Carolina; Brad Boris, City of Asheville; Jonna Bradham, Asheville Savings Bank; Anthony Butzek, City of Asheville; Bill Cummings, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa; Jackie Dula, CarePartners Health Services; Mary Euler, McGuire, Wood & Bissette, PA; Kim Ferguson, Buncombe County Public Schools, Johnston Elementary School; Barry Hendren, Asheville Fire-Rescue; Bill Kelley, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa; Beverly Little, Western Carolina University; Kay Manley, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College;  Ed McGowan, Jr., Coldwell Banker Kasey & Associates; Elaine Robinson, Empowerment! Consulting; Todd Sharpe, Macon Bank; Michael Shoffner, Keller Williams Real Estate; Audran Stephens, City of Asheville Water Resources Department; Gregory Wheeler, Asheville Radiology; Winnie Ziegler, Mission Hospitals.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Leadership Programs at 828/251-6125.

Media Contacts:

• Gerry Goertz, UNC Asheville Leadership Programs Director, 828/251-6694
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526