UNCA's 14th Leadership Haywood Class Graduates

UNC Asheville's Leadership Programs wrapped up its 14th Leadership Haywood class with a trip to Raleigh June 4-5. The 17 participants met with Haywood County's State Representatives, Attorney General Roy Cooper and leaders of the N.C. School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill.

Leadership Haywood examines topics ranging from local government and education to economic development and the environment. The program provides opportunities for participants to develop their leadership skills while meeting with key decision-makers in the community.

"The mission of Leadership Haywood is to inform, challenge and motivate people to become more involved in shaping the future of Haywood County," according to Leadership Programs Director Mitchell Williams.

This year’s Leadership Haywood graduates are: Lee Barnes, Waynesville, Happy Trails Productions; Shannon E. Carlock, Clyde, Animal Hospital of Waynesville; Ellen B. Childers, Waynesville, Haywood County Schools; Holly Crawford, Clyde, Mountain Projects Inc.; Paulette DiNofa, Waynesville, Apple Realty; Deborah Gaddy, Waynesville, Haywood Community College; Dean Henline, Waynesville, Haywood County Sheriff's Department; Joyce Hooley, Waynesville, Haywood Pediatrics; George Ivey, Canton, Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Kyle Ledford, Waynesville, JobLink Career Center; Kathy Lovedahl, Rogers, Waynesville, Carolina Farm Credit; Deborah Rowland, Cullowhee, Haywood Community College; Joe Sommerich, Waynesville, Animal Hospital of Waynesville; Bridgett Spell, Asheville, Haywood County Department of Social Services; and Melanie Threlkeld-McConnell, Waynesville, freelance journalist.

The next class of Leadership Haywood will begin in January 2003. Applications will be available this fall. For information call UNCA’s Leadership Programs Office at 828/251-6125.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Mitchell Williams, UNCA Leadership Programs Directions, 828/251-6125
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526