[Danville, VA] – The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce announces the graduation of the Leadership Southside Class of 2024. The class was recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner last week at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
Leadership Southside is the Dan River Region’s premiere leadership development program for the business, education, public, and nonprofit sectors.
With this year’s 31st graduating class, Leadership Southside boasts over 580 alumni. The Chamber is proud to include this year’s Class of 2023 graduates in this alliance of leaders who are striving to move both their careers and their communities forward.
During the Leadership Southside graduation ceremony, two participants shared their experience with the audience. Here’s what they had to say about the program:
“The self-assessments taught me how to understand and communicate with others better. We all have different leadership styles, but we need all of these different styles to be successful in the workplace and in the community. Not only did these assessments help me learn more about myself, but I am now noticing what other people’s leadership styles are, which helps us build stronger relationships and work better together.”
- Beth Shackelford [Danville Police Department]
“One of the most beneficial parts of the program for me was connecting with my mentor. We were paired with a leader in the community who had expertise in areas in which we were looking to grow. My mentor has been transparent, sharing what she’s endured in her career and forecasting what I can accomplish on my own. She has navigated me through some difficult conversations, shedding light about my path and decisions as a leader. She is fostering growth in me in ways that I didn’t quite recognize I needed.”
- Lori Owens [Sovah Health—Danville]
Congratulations to the following 33 graduates who successfully completed the program:
| Name of Graduate | Place of Employment |
| Alex Hattwick | 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company |
| Ashley Smith | First National Bank |
| Beth Shackelford | Danville Police Department |
| Cameron Sowers | URW Community Federal Credit Union |
| Charisse Hairston | Haven of the DRR; now, Fayette Area Historical Initiative: Black History Museum |
| Chris Kidd | ValleyStar Credit Union |
| Crystal Stone | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. |
| Drew Bailey | Averett University |
| Emily Fowler | Danville Area Training Center |
| Hosanna Pennell | Piedmont Triad Visitor Center |
| Jaime Muckey | Caesars Virginia |
| Janet Davis | City of Danville |
| Johnnie Walker | Piedmont Access to Health Services |
| Josiah Motley | River District Consulting |
| Justin Owen | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research; now, Northern Virginia Community College |
| Kara Taylor | Tyson Foods |
| Kathleen Contratto | Danville Family YMCA |
| Kathryn Bradshaw | Danville – Pittsylvania Community Services |
| Katie Aceto | Animal Medical Center |
| Kimberly Matthews | Pittsylvania County Public Library |
| Lori Flanigan | City of Danville |
| Lori Owens | SOVAH Health- Danville |
| Luvennia Williams | Negril, Inc. |
| Mary Hammock | Farm Credit of the Virginias |
| Megan Smith | Danville Public Schools |
| Melanie Kendrick | PLDR Law |
| Natori Neal | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research |
| Noah Parsons | ServPro of Danville |
| Sam Rippe | Rippe’s |
| Savannah Lind | City of Danville |
| Shekinah Millner | Epic Health Partners |
| Wayne Peters | Danville Community College |
Leadership Southside is a ten-month program that typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month from August-May. Session topics include leading a team, conflict resolution, nonprofit board leadership, communication skills, crisis leadership, equitable leadership, presentation skills, purpose-driven leadership and transformational leadership. Throughout the program, participants will have access to several assessments, including CliftonStrengths, the Enneagram, and a 360 assessment, to learn more about their own leadership style. In January, participants will travel to Richmond for Chamber Day at the Capitol to hear from and engage with members of the General Assembly.
The Chamber is grateful to the program’s content sponsors for making these sessions possible:
- Katie Beach Consulting;
- River District Consulting Group; and
- Epstein Clark Consulting.
Applications are open now for the 2024-2025 program year. Those interested can apply at www.dpchamber.org/leadershipsouthside. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024. Only completed applications will be considered.
The Chamber has contracted with Rachel Covington to lead and facilitate the program. Rachel previously served as the Senior Director of Member Services for the Chamber and led Leadership Southside as part of her role. For more information about Leadership Southside, please contact Rachel at rcovington@dpchamber.org.
The Chamber is grateful to its Innovation Partners and other regional funders, without whom this program would not be possible.
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its 575 member organizations and over 22,000 member employees to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.
