Leadership Asheville 23 Convenes

UNC Asheville's Leadership Asheville Program held its opening retreat in September for the 34 new members of the Leadership Asheville 23 class. The retreat kicked off the nine-month program of study, discussion and service. During the program, the participants will explore a variety of topics, ranging from education and environment to local government and economic development in Buncombe County. 

Founded in 1982 as one of the leadership programs at UNC Asheville, Leadership Asheville helps members develop leadership skills such as collaborative problem solving, critical thinking and conflict management. The program also includes team service projects that help participants to improve their ability to work in teams and refine their leadership styles, while making contributions to the community.

"For the past 23 years, Leadership Asheville has worked with over 800 men and women who live, work and volunteer in the area," said Gerry Goertz, UNC Asheville Leadership Programs director. "The programs have given them a better understanding of the history and potential of Asheville and Buncombe County and helped them to define their personal role in the community's leadership."

The participants for LA 23 and their employers are as follows: Donna Bowman, Asheville Savings Bank; Linda Bradley, Buncombe County Schools; Travis Childs, First Citizens Bank; Donna Cottrell, Buncombe County Finance Department; Ron Curran, Western North Carolina AIDS Project; Patrick Fitzsimmons, American Red Cross, Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter; Nancy Foltz, Communicatia; Ann Goosmann, Junior League of Asheville; Kevin Hefner, Wachovia Bank; Bill Hogan, City of Asheville Police Department; Mitzi Holmes, Community Care Partners, Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital; Scott Lamb, Roberts & Stevens, P.A.; Greg Lucas, The Media Arts Project; Bill Mance, Mission Hospitals Inc.; Jackie Mangum, Buncombe County Schools; Richard Mauney, A-B Technical Community College; Tara May, self-employed; Michael McCarthy, A-B Technical Community College; Daniel Mermin, self-employed; John Mikos, YMCA of Western North Carolina; Ronald E. Morin, Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa; Katherine Morosani, George W. Morosani & Associate; Rachael Nygaard, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County; Roger Parkin, retired; Jacque Penick, Mountain Area Child and Family Center; Theresa Piwowar, The Biltmore Company; Melissa Porter, City of Asheville; Jose Ruiz, AYUDAS 1; Katie Russell-Miller, Children First; Miriam Schwarz, SAGE Partners Inc.; Rachael Shoffner, North Carolina Outward Bound School; Meredith Stone-Switzer, Junior Achievement of WNC; Cindy Stroud, FASTSIGNS; and Gordon Walton, One Who Serves Inc.

For more information about UNC Asheville's Leadership Programs, call 828/251-6125.

Media Contacts:

•  Jaime Head, UNC Asheville Leadership Programs, 828/251-6125
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526