By Vanessa Poulson
For the Opelika
Observer

This fall’s Leadership Lee County class is in full swing.
Participants in the class learn valuable and practical skills for the growing world of business and leadership through a variety of different training experiences and team-building exercises.
Throughout the course, there is an intense focus on local and state government, nonprofits, the health sector, economic development, agriculture, education, higher education and more. Participants come away with new means of problem-solving, working well with different types of people, leading leaders, and community involvement.
Following is a list of this session’s participants:
Melissa Adams
Gina Allen
Pete Arnold
Ken Busby
Charria Campbell
Davina Casey
Lindsay Crosby
Vanessa Darden
Blair DeCoux
Rose Fabry
Brandon Faircloth
Tara Harbison
Shane Healey
Luanne Helms
Christie Hill
Dwyaine Jackson
Joe Janning
Jake Lashley
Yvette Lowe
Nancy McDonald
Cora McGriff
Bill McGuire
Katie Murray
Genia Odom
Blake Otwell
Matt Persons
Brent Poteet
Rusty Prewett
Kristen Reeder
John-Michael Roehm
Melanie Roehm
Crystal Russell
Megan Sumners
Applicants for the program are evaluated on a variety of different standards, including the basis of ability, demonstrated an interest in the community and potential for responsible and effective leadership. Those selected for the program not only get to participate in a variety of different courses, but also get to meet various contacts that they may not have otherwise had access to.
The class also works on a service project before their graduation in May. Service projects vary from year to year, from organizing the first Auburn-Opelika Air Show to renovating the nature trail at the Lee County Youth Development Center or building a playground for the Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center.
Class members have to rise to the challenge of coordinating passions, talents, and resources that each diverse class brings to plan and execute these projects, and even to fund them, to benefit nonprofits and the entire community.
Applications for Leadership Lee County are available by May 1 each year and are due by mid-July. The Leadership Lee County website (www.leadershipleecounty.org) and Facebook page can be utilized to find out when the applications are available.
The Opelika and Auburn chambers of commerce have this information and publish it each year for those interested in applying.