Notes from the Chairs
Leadership Cobb is off to a great start this year. The new class has already experienced their Orientation, Fall Retreat, Public Safety Day and Myers Briggs Evening. Our goal for the year is to expose this exceptional group of community leaders to the current issues, vast resources, and increasing needs of the county, while emphasizing the value of the friendships and connections formed among classmates and Leadership Cobb alumni. Each program will emphasize the importance of taking on the role of the “servant leader” in both personal and professional contexts. With excellent program chairs, committees, and an exciting new class this is sure to be an amazing year! Now, let us tell you a little bit about what the class has experienced this year.
Leadership Cobb’s Orientation at Mt. Paran Christian School’s Murray Arts Center was a fantastic way to kick-off a great year! Co-chairs, Liz Cole (’90) and Mike Russell (’06) along with their committee provided the class a warm welcome to their new Leadership Cobb “family.” The class heard from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautic Company’s Shan Cooper, as well as a number of Leadership Cobb alumni. Chris Bethel (’12), with Edwards, Friedewald & Grayson, was named the Wyman Pilcher Memorial Scholarship Award winner for the 2011-2012 year!
This year’s Fall Retreat, held at the beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort, was a tremendous success thanks to the hard work and leadership of co-chairs, Brittany Gray (’04) and Robby Parker (’09), as well as their outstanding committee. The class enjoyed two and a half days of team building, leadership development and bonding time. A few notable activities include the team building activities hosted by Executive Adventure, an introduction to Myers Briggs and hearing from Steve Cesari, the author of Clarity.
Mike Dempsey (’10) and Diane Webb (‘91) co-chaired Public Safety Day on September 15. The class had a chance to tour the Cobb County Adult Detention Facility, sit in on Magistrate Court Hearings with Judge Joan Bloom (‘03) and participate in various fire rescue/public safety demonstrations at the Cobb County Public Safety Training Facility. While visiting the Cobb Safety Village, the class heard from our keynote speaker, Deputy Chief Jay Jonas of the New York Fire Department. Jonas’ recount of Ladder Co. 6’s search and rescue mission in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th left the class in absolute awe. The class left this exceptional program with a newfound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the leadership displayed by public safety officials in our community and beyond!
Myers Briggs Evening, chaired by Megan (’10) and Andrew Egan (’06), was held at the Whitlock Inn on September 28. This program provided a meaningful learning experience for the class. While thoroughly entertained by Linda Beggs’ (‘96) presentation and live experiments, the class received a deeper understanding of each other’s personalities, methods of communication and leadership styles. This program also provided a great opportunity for spouses, significant others and guest to be included.
Lee Freeman (’08) and John Helton (’10) co-chaired Social Services Day on Wednesday, October 12. The class visited The Center for Family Resources, Judge Juanita Stedman’s (’07) Drug Court and The Boys & Girls Club. The day ended with a reception at the offices of our host and sponsor, Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele. The class was exposed to a number of exciting resources, venues and opportunities, leaving them inspired to make a difference in their community and beyond!
The next program is Heritage Evening on November 2. Thank you to all the Leadership Cobb alumni and generous sponsors that have contributed to the success of this year’s program thus far!
Thank you,
Judy Skeel (’03) and Chris Whitmire (’06)
Co-chairs, LC 2011-2012