Leadership Southeast Georgia, the region’s premier leadership development program, has officially kicked off its Class of 2025 programming with an impactful first session focused on key topics including law enforcement, healthcare, and affordable housing and their impact on workforce development.
The Class of 2025 is comprised of 30 distinguished professionals representing a diverse range of industries including business, government, education, law, real estate, military, infrastructure, and banking and more. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, roundtable discussions, and immersive facility tours designed to foster collaboration and innovative problem-solving.
“Industries like healthcare, law enforcement, and housing are vital to our region's success," said Kendria Lee, Chairwoman of Leadership Southeast Georgia. "It was inspiring to see the Class of 2025 fully engaged with these critical topics from the very first session, and exploring actionable solutions through their tours and discussions. This was an incredible start to their leadership development journey.”
The opening session began at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Ga., where particpants took part in a unique confidence, creativity, and team-building workshop lead by John Brennan and Abby Bentley of Front Porch Improv. Following an exclusive campus tour guided by Public Affairs Specialist Brian M. Jones, participants gained valuable insights into the role of law enforcement at local, regional, and national levels.
On day two, the group traveled to Southeast Georgia Health System’s Camden Campus in St. Marys, Ga., where they were welcomed by St. Marys Mayor, Greg Lockhart. The day featured a compelling keynote address from Ryan Moore, Executive Committee Member of the Southeast Georgia Alliance, covering criticial topics such as natural resources and agriculture, health and safety, infrastructure and workforce, education, and military. The session continued with a walking tour of historic St. Marys, culminating in a presentation at the St. Marys Submarine Museum.
The final day brought a powerful exploration of housing accessibility at the Hand in Hand of Glynn County Tiny Home Village, an innovative community of 60 homes designed to combat chronic homelessness in the region. Facilitators Linda Heagy, Treasurer of Hand in Hand of Glynn, and John Williams, the organization's President, led an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities surrounding housing accessibility. The session wrapped up with strategic discussions aimed at aligning participants to their leadership goals moving forward.
Throughout the session, participants had the opportunity to hear from prominent regional leaders who provided valuable insights and a warm welcome to Glynn County. William Fallon, Glynn County Manager, and Ralph Staffins, President & CEO of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the discussions with an engaging introduction to the region. Additionally, Christy Jordan, Chief Legal Officer of Southeast Georgia Health System’s Camden Campus, and Karl Burgess, Assistant Director of the Coastal Resources Division at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, contributed their expertise during networking and dining events, offering participants deeper perspectives on key regional issues.
“This opening session was both insightful and engaging,” said Necie Carroll, LSEGA Glynn & Camden Counties Program Manager. “The workshops and facility tours sparked thought-provoking questions and discussions that will continue to shape the Class of 2025 throughout the program. It’s clear this group is ready to tackle the challenges facing Southeast Georgia with bold, innovative leadership.”
Leadership Southeast Georgia’s 2025 program is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Evans General Contractors, Georgia Southern University, M.E. Sack Engineering, The Sack Company, Thomas & Hutton, Georgia Power, HunterMaclean, Bouhan Falligant, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Coleman Company, World Trade Center Savannah, Southeastern Bank, Bank of Newington, Cecilia Russo Marketing, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, and Hussey Gay Bell.
Local sponsors for the Glynn and Camden session include the Davis Love Foundation, Live Oak Fiber, Golden Isles Development Authority, Southeast Georgia Health Systems, HunterMaclean, Emerald Princess Casino, Ameris Bank, W.H. Gross Construction Company, Torras Properties, Camden County Joint Development Authority, Georgia Power, Lighthouse Benefit Advisors, Joe Tanner & Associates, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, Roberts Civil Engineering, Kings Consulting, United Community Bank, Tourism Leadership Council, Chick-fil-A Brunswick, and Front Porch Improv.
