10/30/2026
Last Thursday, our 2026 Leadership Avery cohort wrapped up eight months of growth, learning, and leadership development with a final live session led by Pamela Brooks of Cornerstone Consulting, our "Dare to Lead" consultant. The session brought the curriculum full circle, reinforcing key concepts and challenging participants to put their learning into action.
Each participant delivered a brief presentation highlighting the leadership skills they gained throughout the program and sharing an implementation plan for applying those skills as they lead their teams forward. From personal growth to practical strategies, the session was a meaningful reflection of the commitment and progress of this year’s cohort.
A special thank-you to Courtyard by Marriott for starting our day with a fantastic breakfast, Mountain Grounds for providing our cohort’s ritual caffeine kick, Private Chef Kenny Blalock for curating a delicious lunch, and The Turn Sim Golf for hosting our final cohort social. We are grateful to these community partners for helping make the day memorable!
On a personal note, it has been an absolute privilege to lead this group through their leadership journey. Watching each participant grow, evolve, and build connections that we hope will last throughout their careers has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing this chapter come to a close was an emotional moment, and I am beyond grateful to have played even a small role in their professional development. This cohort has made the experience especially meaningful, and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish as they continue to lead and inspire others.
We look forward to celebrating our 2026 Leadership Avery graduates at Rooted & Rising on November 19 as we recognize the next generation of leaders shaping Avery County’s future!
Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Applications for the 2027 Leadership Avery cohort open December 2! Keep an eye out for more details and your opportunity to be part of the next class.
