Leadership Hendricks County recently welcomed its 19^th class of local residents eager to participate in the leadership development program.

The class, a balanced cross-section of the county, is chosen by a committee which examines factors such as where members live, professional backgrounds, occupations, and past community involvement. As in past years, the committee received almost twice as many applications as the 25-member class can accommodate. Suzanne Whicker, executive director, states “We’re glad to see that the caliber of applicants again this year was extremely high. Those that were not chosen for this year’s class are encouraged to apply again next year”.

The 2011 class began recently with an opening retreat in Brown County, where class members had the opportunity to get to know one another and learn more about themselves, leadership styles, and the challenges facing the county. Each participant was assigned to a Team Discovery project that addresses a need in Hendricks County. This year’s class will meet monthly to expand their understanding of the county and sharpen their leadership skills before graduating in November.

Members of this year’s class are:

Steve Bahr, Duke Energy
Jeff Binkley, Binkley Wealth Management Group
Ron Bockstahler, Amata
Jerry Cary, Synergy 360
Bridgette Collins, Hendricks County Superior Courts Probation
Steve Daum, Olympia Partners
Kathy Davis, O.R. Colan Associates of Florida
Emily Eubank, Leadership Hendricks County
Wendy Fowler
Mary Giesting, Plainfield Community School Corp.
Jodi Gordon, Brownsburg Community School Corp.
Dana Johnson, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Michael LeFebvre, Christ Church Reformed Presbyterian
Debra Lenardson, Hendricks Power Cooperative
Christine McIntyre-Craig, United Way of Central Indiana
Sarah McMillen, Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Chris Morphew, Hendricks County Sheriffs Department
Tony Perona, Tony Perona Writing
Teresa Ray, The Payroll Department
Craig Replogle, Edward Jones Investments
Brian Rose, Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce
Diane Stennett, PNC Bank
Krista Tevebaugh, Animal Care Group
Jennifer Woodard, Clarian West
Brandee Wornhoff, Hendricks Regional Health