Leadership Liberty Class of 2014 Graduation
Members of the 2014 Leadership Liberty Class graduated and were recognized during a dinner held at Spartina Landing on July 10. Each graduate was presented a personalized plaque by Chamber CEO Leah Poole to commemorate the achievement.
The group completed an eight month session which included team building and leadership skills at the Youth Challenge ropes course on Fort Stewart and tours of various local entities and organizations facilitated by the Hinesville City Government, Liberty County Government, the Liberty County School System, the Liberty Regional Medical Center, Liberty County Health Department, Fort Stewart, Liberty County Development Authority and the Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In addition to learning about Liberty County, the group worked to complete a group project that would better the community and improve the lives of its residents. The class chose to raise funds for the Liberty Activity Center of Senior Citizens, Inc. A fundraiser was held through the Ruby Tuesday GiveBack Program and the class coordinated with Keep Liberty Beautiful to plant a patio garden at Senior Citizens, Inc. Liberty County facility.
The garden includes flowers and herbs and planters all donated by Keep Liberty Beautiful. The additional funds raised and donated by class members will be used for the upkeep of the garden.
“We are so grateful to Sara Swida and Keep Liberty Beautiful for donating the items needed for the garden,” said class President Amanda Scott. “We hope the garden will provide a lovely retreat for the seniors at the Liberty Activity Center and they will be able to enjoy it for years to come.”
Graduates are Petula Y. Gomillion, Executive Director of Atlantic Area C.A.S.A., Russell H. Putnam, Jr., Civilian Legal Assistant Attorney of Fort Stewart, Pam Phillips, Accredited Financial Counselor for the Financial and Employment Readiness Programs of Hunter Army Airfield, Karen Bell, Owner of Rottweiler Vending, Ardyss KBell, and J&K Photo Booths, Mike Davis, Streets/Drainage Supervisor for Ch2mhill/OMI, Cindi Williford, Member Services Representative for Coastal Electric Cooperative, Anita Hughes, previously the Finance Assistant for the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Amanda Scott, Program Manager for the Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“I hope that I will retain what I learned and as a Family Readiness Specialist for the Army, pull from what I learned to help Military Service Members and Spouses understand and benefit from their local community, and encourage them to get involved with their local community,” said Pam Phillips.
Leadership Liberty’s goal is to shape and mold the future Leaders of Liberty County by informing them of and educating them about the various resources available throughout Liberty County. The program inspires positive change in Liberty County through the training of community leaders for public service. The participants are provided with an understanding of the complexities of economic and community development, as well as an appreciation for the rich, cultural heritage of our county.
“I believe that I am better able to promote my agency through the connections established and I think that the information gained is helpful in making a decision to support different projects that the City or County may have on the table,” said Petula Gomillion.
The Leadership Liberty program provides crucial leadership training and skill-building opportunities as well. Leadership Liberty is open to anyone who wishes to make a difference in the future of our community, region, and state.
“Leadership Liberty is about servant leadership in your community,” said Scott. “I enjoyed touring the different locales and how I can be of greater service to my community but my favorite part was getting to know my classmates and seeing what a positive impact each of them make on our community every day.”
Photo: Back row from left to right: Chamber CEO Leah Poole, Karen Bell, Amanda Scott, Russell H. Putnam, Jr. Front row from left to right: Pam Phillips & Petula Y. Gomillion Not pictured: Cindi Williford, Mike Davis, Anita Hughes.
