New Perry chamber leadership class formed

The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off its Perry Leadership Institute Wednesday with a reception at the Welcome Center on Courtney Hodges Boulevard.

This year’s 15-member class includes Decius Aaron, City of Perry; Amy Arnold, Parrish Construction; Matthew Brown, Advanced Drainage Systems; Ashley Croley, State Farm; Nancy Dakin, Georgia Air National Guard; Kevin Dye, City of Perry; Ryan English, Walker, Hulbert, Gray & Moore; Amanda Fiebig, Coldwell Banker Robbins & Free; Keaton Griner, Georgia National Fairgrounds; Donovan Head, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott’s office; Lexi Henry, Advanced Eyecare; Jack Johnson, City of Perry; Anthony McCorvey, Georgia Power; Kelly Morrill, Bank of Perry; and Michael Pearce, Georgia Power.

The program was revamped a few years ago with the help of the University of Georgia, said chamber President and PLI Co-chair Darlene McLendon, and its leadership module is now geared toward developing leaders for the community at large.

Perry Mayor James Faircloth said the program will prepare its participants “to step into leadership roles on a volunteer basis, an appointed basis or an elected basis.”

“Have your questions ready because you’ll be asking them,” said Houston County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnacker, who added he was impressed with all the “new, young faces” in the group.

Glenn Anderson of Perry Ford, a former participant, told the class “you’re going to be a part of this community.” He added they would experience the impact of Robins Air Force Base on the community, calling it “a treat.”

PLI co-chair Joe Brownlee said the program exemplifies “unprecedented cooperation.”

The city, the county, the development authority worked together, “and the program is really a group effort,” Brownlee said.

Leadership is Houston County’s strongest asset, he continued, citing the contributions of Houston residents such as Sam Nunn, Sonny Perdue, Larry Walker and Larry O’Neal.

“A good leader leads a balanced life,” he concluded, “and has fun.”

HHJ News