Proudgraduates—Members of Leadership West Volusia’s Class of 2016 gathered recently for a group photo at Stetson University’s Lynn Business Center. In the front row, from left, are Cher-Rae Rodriguez, Frontier Communications; Anthony DeFeo, The West Volusia Beacon; Kristin Long, Florida Hospital Orlando; Kinsey Lallathin, City of DeLand; Manny Delgado, Delgado Financial; Jenna Workman, DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce; and Christopher DiMarzo, Frontier Communications. In the middle row, same order, are Rachel McCullough, Landis Graham French, P.A.; Amanda McHugh, The Cloisters of DeLand; Jenn Smith, Frontier Communications; Ken DeForest, Waste Pro; Karen Bures, The West Volusia Beacon; Adam Talbot, Stetson University; Chris Wimsatt, Team Volusia; Salvador Valdivia, Frontier Communications; and Kara Cummings, Stetson University (administrator, Leadership West Volusia). In the back row, same order, are Joshua Cockayne, The Baumgartner Company; John Anderson, City of DeLand; Brian Leatherman, Florida Credit Union; and Chris Graham, City of DeLand. Not pictured is Leadership West Volusia graduate Sherri Bailey Akin.
PHOTO COURTESY DELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce & Orange City Alliance proudly present the Leadership West Volusia Class of 2016.
The Chamber produces Leadership West Volusia in association with its strategic partners at Stetson University’s Department of Boundless Learning and with support from its regional sponsors, including the City of DeLand, the City of Orange City, Frontier Communications, Florida Hospital DeLand, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, Waste Pro of Central Florida, The West Volusia Beacon and many others.
Leadership West Volusia draws together business and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences to learn about challenging community issues while enhancing their leadership skills. The 14-week program is directed toward area adults who have demonstrated leadership potential and interest in serving their community. Participants learn about Volusia County and how each individual might become a more engaged citizen.
The goal of Leadership West Volusia is to develop people who will provide ongoing leadership in the community. The program provides opportunities for potential leaders to meet with today’s leaders to gain a better understanding of issues and challenges facing our community. It also provides educational opportunities to strengthen the leadership and communication skills of participants.
Leadership West Volusia is not an action or advocacy group; rather, it is a program designed to help the community meet the challenges of the future by preparing well-trained and knowledgeable citizen leaders.
— Special to The Beacon,info@beacononlinenews.com
Editor's note: Beacon staffers Anthony DeFeo and Karen Bures were part of the 2016 Leadership West Volusia class.