The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the graduation of the 2022-2023 Leadership Southside class. The class will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, May 24 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
Leadership Southside is the Dan River Region’s premiere leadership development program for the business, education, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Approaching its 31st year, Leadership Southside boasts over 550 alumni. The Chamber is proud to include this year’s Class of 2023 graduates in this alliance of leaders who are striving to move both their careers and their communities forward.
Session topics include leading a team, conflict resolution, nonprofit board leadership, communication skills, crisis leadership, equitable leadership, presentation skills, purpose-driven leadership and transformational leadership. Participants also traveled to Richmond for Chamber Day at the Capitol to hear from and engage with members of the General Assembly.
Here’s what a few graduates had to say about the program:
“My perception of leadership has changed big time. I think we assume that if we don’t have a leadership job title, then we aren’t leaders. That is so far from the truth. Leaders are needed at every level of an organization and a community, and they need to be encouraged to lead from where they are.”
- Austin Bunn [AOSS Ventures]
“My favorite part about Leadership Southside was the people I met, both classmates and presenters. The various life experiences and perspectives of people from all walks of life being shared was invaluable.”
- Lieutenant Michelle Wilkerson [Danville Sheriff’s Office]
Congratulations to the following 25 graduates who successfully completed the program:
| Name | Employer |
| Adrian Badgett | Pittsylvania County Public Library, Gretna Branch |
| Allison Petty | American National Bank & Trust Company |
| Alyssa Turner | River District Association |
| Amanda Hylton | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research |
| April Neal | Danville Fire Department |
| Austin Bunn | AOSS Ventures |
| Blanche Wilkerson | Danville Sheriff’s Office |
| Brandi Turner | Sovah Pulmonology Clinic |
| Brandie Kendrick | Danville Pittsylvania Community Services |
| Courtney Dixon | Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company |
| Tonitta McNeal | Averett University |
| Gregory Hairston | Danville Family YMCA |
| Hannah Barker | Center for Early Success |
| Irving Perez | American National Bank & Trust Company |
| Jacob Taylor | Institute for Advanced Learning and Research |
| Johnny West | City of Danville Police Department |
| Elli Whitehead | River District Consulting Group |
| Lauren Parks | Blush and Glow Spa |
| Laurie Weaver | City of Danville, Information Technology Department |
| Quincey Logan | Epic Health Partners |
| Thomas Clark | Supply Resources, Inc. |
| Tracey McCall | Movement Mortgage |
| Vanessa Scearce | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area |
| Jessica Rose Hayes | Epic Health Partners |
| Ridge Williamson | Negril, Inc. |
Leadership Southside is a ten-month program that typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month from August through May. Applications are open now for the 2023-2024 program year. Those interested can apply at www.dpchamber.org/leadershipsouthside. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023. Only complete applications will be considered.
The Chamber has contracted with Rachel Covington to lead and facilitate the program. Rachel previously served as the Senior Director of Member Services for the Chamber, and led Leadership Southside as part of her role. For more information about Leadership Southside, please contact Rachel at rcovington@dpchamber.org.
The Chamber is grateful to its Innovation Partners and other regional funders, without whom this program would not be possible.
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.