The Leadership Fort Smith program announced July 23 the 25 members of the 2016 class.
The 25 participants were selected based on leadership or potential leadership ability and commitment to the community, along with several other factors and considerations. An effort is made each year to build a diverse, well-rounded class representative of the Fort Smith region.
Leadership Fort Smith is a 10-month program that offers participants a backstage pass to the Fort Smith region. The class focuses on the strengths, challenges, needs, and overall community issues that our participants can directly address. Sessions will cover diverse topics such as education, healthcare, history, crime, local government, and education. In addition, our participants will learn about economic development and will have the opportunity to see, hear, and meet the catalysts for growth in our region.
Leadership Fort Smith is a professional development opportunity that benefits the participant, his/her employer, and our community.
Following are the 2016 class members.
Trace Andres, a vice president of Commercial Lending at Arvest in Fort Smith.
Tommy Bishop, a Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal with the Fort Smith Fire Department.
Michael Borrows, the executive vice president and CFO at USA Truck in Van Buren.
Dr. Deborah Braboy, a licensed professional counselor with Fresh Roots Counseling in Fort Smith.
Jenna Clemons, director of finance for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care.
Samantha Cole, director of community health and access for Mercy-Fort Smith.
Melissa Curry, director of special events for the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Kelly Davis, the supervisor of payroll and employee benefits with the Fort Smith Public School District.
Jennifer Dreisbach, the marketing and specialty leasing manager for Central Mall, owned by Jones, Lang, LaSalle.
Cassie Elwonger, a real estate agent with Weichert Realtors – King Realty Group.
Jennifer Foughty, office manager for Fort Smith EMS.
Stephen Gebhart, the vice president of operations for the Mercy Clinic-Fort Smith.
Matthew Garner, an internal auditor for Baldor Electric Company.
Theresa Hayward, the marketing coordinator for HSA Engineering Consulting Services, Inc.
Lori Hopkins, director of Sales/Use Tax for Golden Living.
Christy Koprovic, the vice president of sales and marketing for KMF, Inc.
Moises Ledezma, the chief operating officer at Business Insurance Consultants, Inc.
Jeremy May, a lead marketing analyst for U-Pack/ArcBest Corporation.
Allison Montiel, the CEO of La Casa de Montiel.
Greg Pair, a deacon and director of lay ministries at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Bryan Peters, a Chief Master Sergeant with the 188th Wing, serving as the Force Support Squadron Superintendent.
Kaylee Rainwater, a loan officer with BancorpSouth.
Lorie Robertson, director of marketing for the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority. (Chaffee Crossing).
Julie Strickland, a community service representative with Home Instead Senior Care.
Scott Zuerker, a partner with Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold, & Harrison Law Firm.