The Leadership Brown County 2024 graduating class with LEAP Board members.
First row from left, Andrea Swift-Hanlon (Board Member), Lacy Martin (Board Member), Lisa Patrick, Bill White, Alice Susemichel, Allison Roberts, Abbie Gressley, Cristina Villani
Second row from left, Kurt Eagleman (Board Member), Cory Joy (Board Member), John Sadtler, Patrick Bennet, Megan Connelly, Christy Wrightsman (Board Member)
Leadership Brown County’s Class of 2024 had their graduation ceremony on May 14, marking the end of their eight-month program. There were around two dozen people in attendance.
To show what they have learned, the graduates put together a presentation on various organizations in the county that could use assistance. These organizations included Brown County Schools, Brown County Bikes, The Community Foundation, Mother’s Cupboard, Habitat for Humanity and the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.
The nine 2024 Leadership Brown County graduates are: John Sadtler, Patrick Bennet, Megan Connelly, Lisa Patrick, Bill White, Alice Susemichel, Allison Roberts, Abbie Gressley and Cristina Villani.
After the presentation, there was a graduation ceremony where each member received a certificate.
President Andrea Swift-Hanlon told the Democrat that Leadership Brown County is an adult cohort that meets once a month for eight-months and focuses on leadership, education, adventure and participation — or LEAP.
“The goal of LEAP is taking current and future leaders within Brown County and plugging them into community organizations and businesses with onsite visits to provide information and networking opportunities to create a more cohesive community,” Swift-Hanlon said. “This year we added an element of in-class learning to teach and practice designed thinking along with various leadership and team building classes to help individuals take these skills back to their own businesses and organizations within the community.”
While Leadership Brown County has been around for 20 years, this is the first graduation ceremony that has been open to the public.
“We invited other leaders within the community, alumni of past cohorts, along with collaborators who helped with our program,” Swift-Hanlon said. “We are very pleased with the support our cohort received for their graduation. As president of Leadership Brown County, it has been an honor to serve alongside the board of directors. We believe Leadership Brown County is imperative to keeping community members engaged, and providing continuing education to our adult population. We believe Brown County has a bright future, and we foster a climate of collaboration and designed thinking to help guide current and future leaders in our community to bring positive change and growth.”
Applications for the 2024-25 Leadership Brown County will be available in July, however interested parties can email Leadership at [email protected] to join the waiting list to receive an application. Swift-Hanlon said that Leadership Brown County’s Facebook page will also have updates about the application process.
