Leadership Macon provides leadership training and community orientation to individuals seeking to become more involved in the growth and development of Macon-Bibb County. Leadership Macon is a year-long program that introduces a class of rising community leaders to the successes and challenges in Macon-Bibb County’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors allowing the class to explore possible projects and solutions, interact with political and community leaders, and develop relationships that will benefit class members and the community at large for years to come.
Leadership Macon training begins with an examination of leadership styles, characteristics, and effectiveness followed by a weekend retreat at the beginning of the year. Monthly seminars follow on topics such as Housing, Education, Servant Leadership, Economic Development, Race Relations, Tourism, and Local Government. Each class provides a forum for guest community decision-makers to present topics and dig deeply into the complexity and various viewpoints surrounding each topic. The seminar format provides an opportunity for hardline questions and answers that traditionally cannot be addressed during more formal or routine public forums and allows the focus to change with each class adapting to reflect the current pulse of the community. Each year Leadership Macon brings together outstanding individuals and provides unparalleled access to organizations, their leadership, and perspective in our community. Frank, candid exchanges of ideas are not only hallmarks of the program, but are the foundation on which Leadership Macon continues to build. The program’s goal is that each Leadership Macon graduate will be equipped with the knowledge, relationships, and enthusiasm needed for active, effective community involvement and enrichment.
Background
In 1979, through the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Charles Jay and Bob Hatcher brought 25 local leaders from diverse areas and backgrounds in Middle Georgia to form the first Leadership Macon class. Formally organized as an association in 1984, Leadership Macon boasts over 1,500 alumni with a new class of leaders graduating every year for more than 40 years.
Leadership Macon Class of 2024
Leadership Macon participants are selected through nomination and evaluation of their leadership traits and potential. Leadership Macon accepts nominations for potential applicants from alumni and other interested citizens using an online form. Class sizes are limited. Attendance at all monthly sessions is required during the year. Tuition for the class is $1,800 for Chamber Investors and $2050 for nonmember investors. Scholarships and payment plans are available.
Leadership Macon Advisory Board
Alison Bender
Board Chair
Steven Jones
Chair-Elect
Board Members
Ansley Booker
Rolando Dixon
Jake Hall
Tim Hemingway
Kaitlynn KressinBarbara Parker
Gary RosserAsbury StembridgeLogan Thomas
Sonja Tillman
Che Young
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Staff
Lynn Farmer
Director of Workforce Development and Talent Retention
Kristen Grissom
Workforce Programs Coordinator
J.R. Olive
Workforce Programs Coordinator