Collaboration In Action
A dream of many coming true! An adult leadership program for Tuscarawas County had been discussed for many years. But not until a steering committee was formed through an effort of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and Kent State University Tuscarawas did it happen. They were asked to help start a community leadership program for business and civic leaders in our area.
During brainstorming and discussion as to the needs of the community, the "World Class" initiative of the Tuscarawas County Chamber was reported to have identified twenty four standards and characteristics that are needed to have a "World Class" community. Six of those very important characteristics had to do with education improvements. It was obvious then that a program to educate visionary leaders could be essential.
After they developed insight as to what was needed for the community, they asked, "Do we want to have a program where leaders are taught how to transform and improve their community?" And the answer was a resounding "YES!" It was then that the program outline took shape and had substance.
For years to come, perhaps decades, we can thank the people that had the vision to create Leadership Tuscarawas.
BOARD MEMBERS
Brian Kress, President - Term Expires July 2008
Research & Development Manager, Edgetech I.G.
Rev. Dr. Steve Bailey, Vice President & Community Awareness Committee Chair - Term Expires July 2009
Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, New Philadelphia
Pat Comanitz, Secretary - Term Expires July 2008
Director, Continuing Studies & Community Development, Kent State University Tuscarawas
Gene Thorn, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair - Term Expires July 2009
CFO, Union Hospital
Stan Sherman CPA, Fundraising Committee Chair - Term Expires July 2009
Owner, Premier Business and Consulting Services
Peggy Trolio, Selection Committee Chair - Term Expires July 2010
Retired, Belmont National Bank
Jill Becker - Term Expires July 2009
President, Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce
Tami Bolon - Term Expires July 2009
Cost Accountant, Edgetech I.G.
Pat Faulhaber - Term Expires July 2010
Coordinator, Continuing Studies & Community Development, Kent State University Tuscarawas
Jessica Kopelwitz - Term Expires July 2010
Director of Christian Education, First United Methodist Church, New Philadelphia
Gary Petricola - Term Expires July 2010
President & Owner, WJER Radio
Joe Sanda - Term Expires July 2010
Educational Opportunity Coordinator, Kent State University Tuscarawas
Tracy Stevens - Term Expires July 2008
Manager, Local Affairs, Dominion
Kristin Zemis, Esq. - Term Expires July 2008
Associate Attorney, Black, McCuskey, Hanhart, Deeds and Bauer
Charlie Deeds
Sue Louscher
2007-2008 Class Roster
Jason Baker
Tusco Display, Inc.
Chris Beck
Union Hospital
Carrie Callahan
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Jonna Cronebaugh
Self-Employed
Melinda Culpepper
Progressive Foam
Kerry Egler-Whytsell
First Federal Community Bank
Dee Grossman-Tasker
Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Frances Gundrum
Society for Equal Access, ILC
Cindy Laughlin
Tuscarawas County Even Start
Scott Love
Investment Partners, Ltd.
Mark McKenzie
Mark McKenzie, LLC
Mark Mahaffey
Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products
Amy Myers
AFLAC
Mark Naylor
Lauren Manufacturing
JoEllen Sanders
Kent State University Tuscarawas
Scott Swaldo
Ohio CAT - Complete Hydraulic Service
Valerie Yoder
Progressive Foam
2007-2008 Class will begin in August of 2007 with an afternoon orientation plus a 2-day retreat later in the month. This is followed by nine day-long sessions on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May. Class members are also required to complete a community project. A graduation ceremony in May concludes the program year.
Click Here for Program Schedule