Leadership Macon provides leadership training and community orientation to individuals seeking to become more involved in the growth and development of Macon and Bibb County. Leadership Macon is a year-long program that introduces a class of upcoming community leaders to the attributes of, and challenges to Macon and Bibb County so that the class can explore possible projects and solutions, interact with political and community leaders, and develop relationships that will benefit each class member and the community for years to come. Class members attend a weekend retreat at the beginning of the year, followed by monthly seminars on such topics as Housing, Education, Servant Leadership, Economic Development, Race Relations, Tourism, and Local Government.
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. It has been an annual program since then. Formally organized as an unincorporated association on October 16, 1984, Leadership Macon boasts over 1,500 alumni.
Each monthly Leadership Macon seminar provides a forum for community decision-makers to present topics of interest, and issues of importance and concern. During the course of one year, several speakers and facilitators discuss challenging changes, complex situations and various viewpoints. The seminar format provides an opportunity for hard-line questions and answers. It also sets an appropriate stage for digging deeply into topics that are perhaps only lightly addressed during formal, but routine, newscasts or other public forums. Therefore, each year the class focus changes somewhat to reflect the pulse of the community. Also examined are leadership styles, characteristics, and effectiveness. Traditionally an orientation retreat begins the program each year in January; the class meets monthly from February through November; participants graduate in December.
Each year Leadership Macon brings together outstanding individuals, and each one brings with them matchless and unparalleled perspectives of our community. It has been said that Leadership Macon attempts to draw upon this unique feature during the frank and candid exchange of ideas. It is indeed upon this foundation that this vital program will continue to build.
Through the years, Leadership Macon has also promoted civic responsibility by encouraging involvement, as well as breeding enthusiasm and dedication. It is the ultimate goal of Leadership Macon that its participants will enrich our community through active involvement in shaping its future. By encouraging the utilization of the leadership capabilities of its participants and its growing alumni, Leadership Macon is meeting the challenge.
Leadership Macon Class of 2020
Chris Barroso Hargray Fiber | Jonathan Barton Cadence Bank | Brittany Beauchamp CenterState Bank | Mary Kathryn Borland Central GA Technical College | Logan Bowlds Stratford Academy |
Brittanie Brown Credence Management Solutions | Mack Bullard Bibb County School District | Christopher Cabiness New Hope Missionary Baptish Church | Seth Clark Harbor Strategies, LLC | Carla Coley North Central Health District |
Andrea Cooke C’Qul (Choosing A Quality of Life) | Sean DeZoort Roland, Abbott& DeZoort Insurance | Rachel Gambill Macon-Bibb County | Tyler Garrison Macon-Bibb Co. Industrial Authority | Elizabeth Hall James-Bates-Brannan-Groover, LLP |
Elizabeth Hammock Martha Bowman Memorial UMC | Joe Hanson L.E. Schwartz & Son, Inc. | Erin Hawkins Mama Hawk Draws | Tiffany Hicks Clark Nexsen | Shaqudaway Hiley AT&T |
Amy Holbeck 116th Air Control Wing | Kelsey Holland Georgia Power | Tyler Kemp BASF | Macey Kilgore River Edge Foundation | Kaitlynn Kressin JBK Southern, Inc. |
Kate Lambert Springdale Elementary School | Shelton Land United Way of Central Georgia | Ryan Mims Renasant Bank | Tiffany Minter United Healthcare | Joe Powers Cox Media |
Noel Robblee Robins Air Force Base | Gary Rosser Cadence Bank | Matt Shoemaker Jones Cork, LLP | Kesia Stafford Stafford Builders | Jessica Stevens Coldwell Banker |
Jamilah Stuart Anderson Conference Center | Brad Thigpen Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants | Logan Thomas Georgia Farm Bureau | Jenna Van Harpen Blue Bird | Robert Walker Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department |
Lauren Woods LBA Ware | A. Bernard Young Southwest High School | |||
Lynn Farmer Director, Leadership Macon Program | Alison Bender Class Advisor LM Class of ’18 | Jim Davis Class Advisor LM Class of ’16 | Jake Hall Class Advisor LM Class of ’18 | Brenda Sutton Class Advisor LM Class of ’12 |


Since class size is limited, each year’s class is chosen through nominations and evaluation of their leadership traits and potential. Leadership Macon takes nominations for potential applicants from alumni or any other interested citizens. This process is handled using an online form that collects nominations. Candidates must agree to attend all monthly sessions during their class year. The candidate must pay tuition for the class: $1650 for chamber members and $1900 for non members. Payment arrangements and scholarship assistance are available.
For more information, visit Leadership Macon’s website.


Leadership Macon Advisory Board
- Susan Headley – Board Chair
- James Freeman – Immediate Past Chair
James Freeman Law - Alison Bender – Class Advisor
Class of 2018
New York Company Company - Jessica Bowers
- Jim Davis – Class Advisor
Class of 2016
Retired Tax Commissioner - Lynn Farmer – Director
Leadership Macon Program - Andrea Freeman
Cox Media - Jake Hall – Class Advisor
Class of 2018
Highland Hills Baptist Church
- Walt Hiley
Renasant Bank - LaTrenda Leaks
GIGA, Inc. - Rhonda Lowe
Stafford Construction - Vicki Mills
Radiology Associates of Macon - Nikki Randall
Navicent Health - Thomas Rhodes
Coldwell Banker Commercial - Amy Tarpley
MBCIA - Geneva West