New Leadership Fort Smith Class Announced

(Posted: August 14, 2008)     (Printable Version)

Leadership Fort Smith, a program offered through the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, kicked off its 22nd year with an orientation Aug. 14 for the 25 individuals selected for the 2008-09 class.

Dr. Paul B. Beran, UA Fort Smith chancellor, said he expects great things from the new class.

“The success of this program will be seen by the actions these individuals take in the community,” Dr. Beran said. “Leadership Fort Smith is more than an education for its participants. It is a launching point for real progress in a variety of different areas of our community, from touching the non-profit human service arena to economic development.”

New class members are:

• Kerri Barnes of Greenwood, leadership development coordinator for student activities at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
• Mark Buergler of Fort Smith, vice president of BancorpSouth.
• Jo Davidson of Fort Smith, community volunteer and retired registered medical technologist.
• Rev. Tom Elliott of Fort Smith, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in Fort Smith.
• Derek Goodson of Fort Smith, computer-aided drafting and design instructor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
• Jason Green of Fort Smith, vice president of human resources for Baldor Electric Co.
• Cheryl Holden of Fort Smith, an interdisciplinary clinical practice coordinator at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center.
• Katherine Irish-Clardy of Fort Smith, assistant professor of family and community medicine at UAMS/AHEC Family Medical Center.
• Maleb Kelley of Van Buren, assistant principal of Darby Junior High School.
• Kevin Lacewell of Fort Smith, trust administrator and financial adviser with Simmons First Trust Company.
• Mark Lloyd of Fort Smith, director of admissions at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
• Coby Logan of Fort Smith, attorney with Daily & Woods, PLLC.
• Steve Lovick of Fort Smith, director of information technology at Rheem Manufacturing Co.
• Tom Manskey of Fort Smith, president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• Nicole McGinister of Fort Smith, production engineer at Rheem Manufacturing Co.
• John Moates of Fort Smith, owner/operator of Blazin’ Burrito in Fort Smith.
• Eric Pendergrass of Fort Smith, attorney with Smith, Maurras, Cohen, Redd & Horan, PLC.
• Susie Reehl of Fort Smith, program director for the Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center/WestArk RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program).
• Maggie Rice of Fort Smith, a city planner for the City of Fort Smith.
• Ron Robbins of Fort Smith, exploration and operations manager for Hanna Oil and Gas.
• Katie Schluterman of Fort Smith, brand coordinator/media buyer for Williams/Crawford & Associates.
• Kathie Smith of Fort Smith, development coordinator for The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children Inc. in Fort Smith.
• Lisa Spears of Fort Smith, vice president of the enterprise project management office at Golden Living.
• Lori Williams of Fort Smith, executive director of Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center.
• Donna Woods of Charleston, assistant vice president and branch manager for First National Bank in Charleston.

Julie Moncrief, executive director of Leadership Fort Smith, said the issues-oriented program will include an upcoming leadership workshop, a retreat and multiple sessions covering Fort Smith history, educational offerings, economic development, local and state government, health and human services, and law enforcement and court systems.

“The program is an intense regional education that is made possible by leaders and staffs of many institutions who open their doors to us,” Moncrief said. “They share their successes, missions and goals, giving the class members a deeper understanding of the ways they could work to help the community.”

Orientation activities included a chance for the new class group to meet two leadership boards, the LFS Board of Advisers and the LFS Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition, LFS alumnus Claude Legris, executive director of the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke about the “different hats” leaders wear.

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Article by: Sondra LaMar, Director of Public Relations
Photo(s) by: Barbara Wilson of Bedford Camera and Video

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