Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders for a Stronger Macon

Leadership Macon is a year-long civic leadership program that introduces rising community leaders to the successes and challenges in Macon’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Through monthly sessions, immersive experiences, and access to influential decision-makers, participants build the knowledge, relationships, and confidence needed to make a lasting impact.

The program begins in January with a retreat focused on leadership styles and team-building, followed by monthly class days exploring topics like housing, healthcare, education, economic development, tourism, diversity, local government, and more. Each session invites candid conversations with community leaders, fosters collaboration, and deepens understanding of complex local issues.

MISSION

Leadership Macon’s mission is to develop stronger, better-prepared leaders through education, connection, and engagement in order to create a more just and prosperous community.

Apply or Get Involved

Class Participation
Chamber Investors

$1800

TUITION

Non-Investors

$2260

TUITION

Nominations for the next Leadership Macon class open in September. Anyone can nominate someone—including self-nominations—and all nominees will be invited to complete a full application in October, which includes an online form and an interview with a committee of program alumni. Leadership Macon participants are chosen based on their leadership potential, community involvement, and interest in making Macon a better place. Class sizes are limited, and attendance at all monthly sessions is required. Tuition is $1,800 for Chamber Investors and $2,050 for non-Investors. Scholarships and payment plans are available.

Meet the Future Leaders of Macon-Bibb: The Class of 2026

Leadership Macon is proud to introduce the Class of 2026—a dynamic group of emerging leaders committed to shaping the future of Macon-Bibb County. Over the course of the year, these professionals will engage in an intensive program of learning, service, and collaboration designed to deepen their understanding of our community and strengthen their capacity to lead. Together, they represent the next generation of decision-makers and changemakers, ready to make a lasting impact on Macon’s growth and vitality.

Leadership Macon Class of 2026

Jarvis T. Adside, Sr. | Arise Nation Church & Cirrus Academy Charter School

Tumaini Affull-Cornett | Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Robbie Ballard | Placemaker LLC

Natalie Bouyett | Macon Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund

Tina Byron | Atlanta Postal / Center Parc Credit Union

Kamyla Carr | Cox Communication

Caroline Childs | Emory Healthcare

Natasha Christian | Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED

Anna Dejdar | Stratford Academy

Adil Elkhiyari | Qalam wa Lawh

Bo Elliott | The Summit Group

Richard Frazier | Theatre Macon

Mia Geiger | River Edge Behavioral Health

Khaia Gibson | Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority

Brenda Goolsby | Georgia Industrial Children’s Home (Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services, Inc.)

Jake Grisamore | Mount de Sales Academy

Jenny Howell | Fickling & Company

Meagan Hurley | Mercer University School of Law

Destini Johnson | Specialized Information Environments, Inc. (Spinen)

Micah Johnston | The Macon Melody

Anna Kersey-Weckstein | Macon-Bibb County Attorney’s Office

Ashleigh Lee | 551 Hospitality / Brasserie Circa

Will Marshall | Murphey, Taylor & Ellis Commercial Real Estate

Sue Marzano | Unified Defense / Truss US

Alex Mason | Greater Macon Chamber

Robert Minor | Tri-County EMC

Chris Miranda | James Bates Brannan Groover

Brandie Mock | St. Joseph’s Catholic School

LuAnn Osteen | Wesley Glen Ministries, Inc.

Margaret Peth | Macon-Bibb County

Kathryn Rhodes | Community Foundation of Central Georgia

Kamerio Riggins | River Edge Behavioral Health

Dr. Kristie Roberts-Lewis | Middle Georgia State University, Center for Middle Georgia Studies

Onica Schmidt | Mercer University Office of General Counsel

Heather Scroggins Sementilli | MidSouth Community FCU

Cater Starling | Gilmer Warehouse

Kelly Tanner | All-State Electrical Contractors, LLC

Alex Tinsley | Sheridan Construction

Katherine Welker | Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative

Emily Wilson | Macon-Bibb County

Alex Wood | Visit Macon

INTERESTED IN JOINING?

Learn more about becoming a chamber investor. If you have any questions, please call us at 478-621-2000 or email us at [email protected] and we will contact you with all the details. We can’t wait to talk to you!