LOUISA, VA, June 21, 2024 – The Louisa Forward Foundation, in partnership with the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, proudly celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Louisa Class of 2024. The ceremony, held at Shenandoah Crossing Resort, marked the culmination of a seven-month professional development journey for a cohort of rising business leaders dedicated to enhancing their leadership skills and community engagement.

Casey Hollins, Managing Director of Communications and Public Relations for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Board Chair for both the Louisa Forward Foundation and Louisa Chamber of Commerce, warmly welcomed attendees to the graduation event. "On behalf of the Louisa Forward Foundation and Chamber, we are excited to celebrate our graduates who are all rising stars at their companies and in our business community," said Hollins.

The event commenced with an invocation by Rodney Redd, Principal of Louisa County High School and Leadership Louisa Program Chair for 2024. Tracy Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa Chamber of Commerce, delivered opening remarks, highlighting the program's inception in 2022 and its mission to foster leadership and community growth.

Over the past seven months, the Leadership Louisa cohort engaged in a unique blend of relationship building, learning, problem-solving, and community engagement. They had the opportunity to visit several local businesses and hear directly from their leaders, enriching their understanding of the local business landscape.

The success of the Leadership Louisa program is attributed to the support of numerous volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. This year's sponsors included Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Innerwill Leadership Institute, Blue Ridge Bank, Shenandoah Crossing, Kings Dominion, Dominion Energy, Hantzmon Weibel, Lake Anna Tractor & Hardware, and Walmart DC#7016. 

Special thanks were extended to Program Chair Rodney Redd, Honorary Chair Karen Welch from Louisa Arts Center, and volunteers from the Class of 2023 who played pivotal roles in this year's program. Innerwill Leadership Institute's facilitator, Wendy Berenson, was also recognized for her exceptional contribution to the program's curriculum, which focuses on Values Based Leadership.

Duane Adams, Chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the importance of leadership and community service. Following the keynote, a video presentation captured the essence of the cohort's journey, showcasing their growth and community involvement.

Christina Miller, the elected class president and Recreation Supervisor for Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, shared her reflections on the transformative experience. The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of the Leadership Louisa Class of 2024 graduates, recognized for their commitment and dedication to the program.

Graduates of the Leadership Louisa Class of 2024 are:

• Jennifer Arnold, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
• Ashleigh Chandler, Piedmont Virginia Community College
• Ramona Chapman, Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
• Gina Chumley, Blue Ridge Bank
• Kristen Duvall
• Barbara Evers, Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company
• Matt Fallon, Town of Louisa
• Jonathan Frith
• Kaitlyn King, United Bank
• Christina Miller, Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
• Devan Payne, Dominion Energy
• Tina Perry-Duval, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
• Evelyn Pritchett, Lakeside Title & Escrow
• Kelley Shuler, Louisa County Public Schools
• Julie Smith, Mineral Mercantile

The ceremony concluded with a celebratory reception sponsored by Walmart Distribution Center #7016 and hosted by the Louisa Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Leadership Louisa and the Louisa Forward Foundation, please visit LouisaForward.org