Leadership DeKalb began its 18th class at the Appalachian Center for Craft on Sept. 24. The adult leadership training program selects individuals who are or show the desire to be community trustees. Participants study the county in-depth; strengthen leadership skills; and build a network of fellow leaders through Leadership DeKalb classmates, alumni, presenters, and current leaders in business, services and our community. Leadership DeKalb shapes our county’s future with knowledgeable, effective and active leaders.

Each year, a new class embarks on the year-long program, which meets once a month from September through June. The Class of 2016 members are: Eric Birmingham; Dan DelaCruz, Kustom Printing Products; Hannah James, DCHS student/Smithville Rotary Club; Jennifer Keaton, Wilson Bank & Trust; Matt Lawrence, DeKalb Tire and Service; Brandy Lawson, Wal-Mart; John Mullen, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; Beth Pafford, DeKalb County Schools; Steve Quick, Radio Personality; Morgan Vickers, DCHS student/St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital; and Jacob Young, Edgar Evins State Park.

Leadership DeKalb thanks the Appalachian Center for Craft for hosting the opening retreat, and session sponsors St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital and Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. Breakfast was provided by Dr. Mitchell Tatum, DDS. Lunch was provided by Family Medical Center. Afternoon refreshments were sponsored by Ace Hardware.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead, 20th Century Anthropologist)