Louisa County, 1/8/2024 – The Louisa Forward Foundation, in collaboration with the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, proudly introduces the distinguished individuals selected for the Leadership Louisa Class of 2024. This professional development initiative, led by Program Chair Rodney Redd (Principal, Louisa County High School) and Honorary Chair Karen Welch (Executive Director, Louisa Arts Center), brings together fifteen accomplished participants from various sectors within Louisa County.

As a Leadership Louisa Class of 2023 graduate, Rodney Redd shares describes his experience, "My journey with Leadership Louisa was exceptional. The program enhanced my leadership development and provided invaluable connections throughout the community."

The class kicks off on Thursday, January 18 at Louisa County High School with special guest Superintendent Doug Straley.

Meet the Leaders of the Class of 2024:

• 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, Spring Oak Senior Living in Louisa
• Barbara Evers, Everleigh Vineyards & Brewing Company
• Matt Fallon, Town of Louisa
• Jonathan Frith, Jefferson Area Board of Aging
• 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 Leadership Louisa program is a transformative blend of relationship-building, learning, problem-solving, and community engagement. Over the next six months, participants will delve into monthly full-day leadership sessions. These sessions will cover a range of crucial topics, including values-based leadership, effective communication, influence, and leading change.

An integral facet of the Leadership Louisa experience is the Community Action Project (CAP), designed to empower participants to apply the leadership competencies cultivated throughout the program. Each participant, organized into teams, will collaborate with a local organization, fostering proactive engagement with pressing community issues. The partnering organizations, chosen for their impactful missions, will provide insights into their current endeavors and present challenges they aim to address. As part of their commitment to community betterment, teams are tasked with crafting tangible and applicable solutions—be it a product, system, event, or campaign—highlighting the practical application of their leadership skills. The final phase involves a compelling pitch to their partner organizations, presenting innovative solutions to the identified challenges.

Leadership Louisa is possible because of the generous support of our partners, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Blue Ridge Bank, Dominion Energy, Kings Dominion, Lake Anna Tractor & Hardware, Shenandoah Crossing Resort, and Hantzmon Wiebel.

For more details or to get involved, please visit LouisaForward.org.

About Louisa Forward Foundation

The Louisa Forward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, was created to support the economic, education and community development programs implemented by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce. The foundation focuses on business, workforce development, and community collaborations to enhance the quality of life.

About the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce promotes business, strengthens economic and community development, and serves as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the Louisa community and region. For more information about LCCC, please visit www.louisachamber.org. Follow LCCC on Facebook.