South GeorgiaLEADS Opens Recruitment for Sixth Year

By Press release submission

Jul 8, 2022

South GeorgiaLEADS opens recruitment for the 2022-2023 cohort of its 21-county leadership development initiative. Dedicated to investing in the communities of South Georgia and strengthening the leadership capacity of the region, South GeorgiaLEADS (SGL) seeks participants from diverse perspectives and backgrounds who share a common vision of improving the economic vitality of the region.

Supported by strong corporate sponsors, South GeorgiaLEADS links business and civic leaders, educators, non-profit professionals, elected and public officials, and other interested participants to the region’s economic development agenda and efforts. Facilitated by faculty from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, the program ties the challenges and opportunities that are unique to South Georgia with leadership training giving program participants greater insight on the skills needed to engage on issues and find meaningful solutions.

South GeorgiaLEADS Chair Barbara Grogan shares her enthusiasm for this year’s program. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited and encouraged to launch the 6th cohort of South GeorgiaLEADS. Having seen phenomenal success through the years, South GeorgiaLEADS now has over 160 alumni, and the numbers continue to grow each year. There are many strong leaders and determined citizens in Southwest Georgia, and they are leading the way through programming, advocacy, and representation of the region with SGL. I am honored to continue serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and anticipate only more positive, beneficial networks, resources and services to grow and expand with our next cohort of leaders.”

As the largest regional leadership program in the State, South Georgia continues to raise the bar for leadership, economic development, and civic engagement for existing leaders. SGL is an eight-month leadership experience for leaders throughout South Georgia designed to facilitate awareness of issues that are essential to the future success of the region by giving participants the necessary skills and training needed to effectively lead South Georgia in the 21st Century economy.

This year’s SGL class will visit communities throughout the region, with our kick-off session in Bainbridge and additional sessions in Baker, Grady, Thomas, and Sumter counties to name a few. This year’s class will conclude with a graduation ceremony in Colquitt County. With applications currently available to anyone who may be interested, the program will start in August 2022 and run through March 2023.

Emphasizing regional priorities throughout the program, each session directly links leadership skills training to issues of critical importance to South Georgia:

• Regional Identity & Influence

Includes creating a regional brand and identity for South Georgia that is recognized internally as well as externally, enhancing both perception and influence of the region across the State.

• Workforce Development

Includes the strategic alignment of public and private sectors—business, industry, and educational partners—to address key workforce development needs and challenges; and to increase the economic viability of South Georgia.

• Collective Visioning & Planning

Includes developing leaders who understand the changing South Georgia economy and culture; and recognize why it is essential to both think and act within a global context, working collaboratively to ensure the region’s success.

The purpose of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is to develop informed, aware, and educated leaders to promote and grow South Georgia by:

• Increasing awareness of assets and resources;

• Creating a shared sense of regional pride and ownership in both action and solutions;

• Strengthening partnerships and alliances; and

• Enhancing political influence and acuity to support the needs and opportunities of South Georgia.

Tuition is $1,250 per participant, with a limited number of scholarships available.

For more information about South GeorgiaLEADS, please visit their website at https://southgeorgialeads.org/. Interested applicants may also contact South GeorgiaLEADS Chair Barbara Grogan at 229.921.1457; or bgrogan@selectmoultrie.com.

Application materials may also be found online at https://southgeorgialeads.org/apply/

Applications are due on Thursday, June 30 the close of business. Interested candidates may also contact their local economic development team—Chambers of Commerce and Development Authorities—for further information.