FORT SMITH - On Wednesday, July 24th at 5:30 p.m., the Leadership Fort Smith New Class Reception was held at the Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown in Fort Smith. At this event, the 25 citizens who have been selected for the LFS Class of 2020 were announced for the first time. These 25 community leaders are set to begin their journey through the Leadership Fort Smith program on July 25th at the Orientation Session and Leadership Workshop.
The 25 participants were selected based on leadership or potential leadership ability and commitment to the community, along with several other factors and considerations. An effort is made each year to build a diverse, well-rounded class representative of the Fort Smith region. This year is no exception, as we have a great class representing a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and professions.
Leadership Fort Smith is a 10-month program that offers participants a backstage pass to the Fort Smith region. The class will focus on the strengths, challenges, needs, and overall community issues that our participants can directly address. Sessions will cover diverse topics such as education, healthcare, history, crime, local government, and community outreach. In addition, our participants will learn about economic development and will have the opportunity to see, hear, and meet the catalysts for growth in our region. Leadership Fort Smith is a professional development opportunity that benefits the participant, his/her employer, and our community.
The goal of Leadership Fort Smith is evident from the tag line on our logo – Learn. Connect. Lead. LFS gives participants the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of our community, connect to community leaders and organizations, and then use that knowledge to LEAD. Leadership Fort Smith is more than an accomplishment to put on a resume – it is a call to action. We anticipate the Class of 2020 and all LFS Alumni will do great things for the betterment of our region.
Leadership Fort Smith has been our community leadership program since 1987, graduating the inaugural class in 1988. The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to kick off another year with the Leadership Fort Smith program.
Please follow Leadership Fort Smith on Facebook (facebook.com/LeadershipFS) for updates and information throughout the year. For more information please visit our website www.fortsmithchamber.com.
Please join us in congratulating the LFS Class of 2020 Participants:
Mark Allen – Sebastian County
Brandon Bullard – Baptist Health Fort Smith
Jarrard Copeland – Sagely & Edwards Realty
Nina Copeland – Johnson Dermatology
Jayme Copher – Mercy Fort Smith
Greg Cornett – Umarex USA
Russell Gibson – City of Fort Smith
Jennifer Holland – University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Roger Holroyd – Arvest Bank
Garrett Houck – Oklahoma Gas & Electric
Heather Ketter – BHC Insurance
Tami Kuhns – Community Services Clearinghouse
Rudy Ledbetter – ArcBest/ABF
Mitzi Little – United Way of Fort Smith Area
Janet Miller – KFSM
Laura Pearn – Ledbetter\Cogbill\Arnold\Harrison LLP
Jarred Rego – Mercy Foundation
Blake Rickman – UAFS Foundation
Maggie Russell – Gerdau
Andrea Schwartz – Fort Smith Public Schools
Keley Simpson – First Presbyterian Church
Lt. Col. Blain Stewart – 188th Wing
Bill Stuckey – Pinnacle IT
Justin Wilbanks – Geno’s Pizza
Jenny Wilkinson – Farmers Bank