HIGHLANDS, N.C., October 23, 2024 – Leadership Highlands, a Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC community engagement program, today announced the graduates of the 2024 class.
Graduates include: Clark de Bullet, Seanna Bresnahan, Lesley Galloway, Debby Hall, Lindsay Hostetler, Deborah Kirk, Bianca Mitchell, Mia Nelson, Tina Rogers, Cynthia Shahed, Andrew Spraggins, Julie Upshaw, Christina Vives and Rachel Wavra.
This year’s graduates embarked on an eight-month journey, starting in March and culminating in October, where they immersed themselves in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their civic knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional networks. The program included a retreat, monthly day-long sessions, and a formal graduation ceremony.
“We are incredibly proud of our 2024 Leadership Highlands graduates,” said Kaye McHan, Executive Director of Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “Their dedication and commitment to enhancing their leadership skills will have a lasting impact on their respective businesses, nonprofits, and the Highlands community as a whole.”
Each year, Leadership Highlands offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with local experts and fellow class members on a wide range of topics, including Highlands’ history, cultural resources, economic development, government and public safety, health and human services, education, the arts, and outdoor recreation. The program also emphasizes personal leadership development through principle-based decision-making and team-building exercises. Selection criteria for participants include civic involvement, leadership potential, diversity of perspective, and a strong commitment to the program and the Highlands community. A selection committee composed of Chamber staff, members of the Board of Directors, and past participants are responsible for choosing each year’s class.
"Leadership Highlands has been an invaluable experience, fostering both personal growth and a deeper understanding of Highlands' civic, cultural, and economic landscape,” says Bianca Mitchell, Director of Marketing, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts and Leadership Highlands Class of 2024 graduate. “The program’s immersive curriculum—covering topics from history, the arts, public safety, and our natural environment to economic development—has provided me with the opportunity to connect with local experts and peers. I am grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for offering this informative and enriching program and encourage anyone interested in gaining a deeper insight into Highlands to apply."
Applications for the 2025 Leadership Highlands program will be available here on Friday, October 25. The deadline to apply is noon, Wednesday, December 11.
For more information about Leadership Highlands or the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC call 828-526-5841 or go to highlandschamber.org.
PHOTO CAPTION: Front row, left to right: Angela Owens (program facilitator), Christina Vives and Tina Rogers Next row, left to right: Rachel Wavra, Julie Upshaw and Seanna Bresnahan Next row, left to right: Cynthia Shahed, Lindsay Hostetler and Bianca Mitchell Next row: Debby Hall Back row, left to right: Clark de Bullet, Mia Nelson and Lesley Galloway. Not pictured: Andrew Spraggins