Leadership Augusta

08/24/2026

🌟 Leadership Augusta Class of 2027 Retreat | Greenville, SC 🌟

The Leadership Augusta Class of 2027 have returned home from their their engaging retreat focused on leadership, community growth, and the importance of collaboration in creating a thriving community.

The class heard from community leaders about Greenville’s revitalization, public-private partnerships, and continued growth, with insights from Jared Hartzell, Chief Development Officer for the City of Greenville Economic Development Corporation; Jeff Brown, President of the Greenville Drive; and Heath Dillard, President & CEO of Visit Greenville SC.

Another panel explored critical community issues including affordable housing, workforce development, and community planning. Thank you to Candice Lewis, Chief Academic Officer at Greenville Technical College; Dorothy Dowe, Vice Mayor Pro Tem for Greenville City Council; and Cody Carver of Greenville Together for sharing their perspectives.

The class also participated in a STAR Power workshop through the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, facilitated by Brendan Leahy.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, SRP Federal Credit Union, for investing in the Leadership Augusta experience and supporting the Class of 2027. We are also grateful to our Program Partner, Augusta University, for their continued partnership and commitment to developing community leaders.

We appreciate all of our speakers, panelists, partners, and sponsors who helped make this retreat an impactful experience for the Class of 2027! 💙

08/21/2026

The Class started arriving in Greenville, SC today for their retreat!

08/19/2026

🎉 Welcoming the 2026–2027 Leadership Augusta Board!

Leadership Augusta kicked off the new fiscal year with our first Board of Directors meeting, and we’re excited to welcome our newest board members: Katherine Bonner, Maurice Parker, Cheryl Willis, Ashley Whitaker, Cayla Long, Katie Lewis, and LaFawn Pinkney-Mealing!

A special thank-you to Destination Augusta for hosting us in their beautiful historic building in the heart of downtown Augusta. Even with construction happening all around us, downtown remains a vibrant place to work, gather, shop, dine, and explore! We also enjoyed some delicious popcorn and nuts from Pop’n Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, a locally owned downtown business. 🍿🥜

Here’s to a great year ahead for Leadership Augusta! 💙

08/14/2026

A big shout out to our Leadership Afternoon's day sponsor, Dynamik Consulting! Katie Wynn led the class through an Insights Discovery Workshop, which helps leaders better understand communication styles, team dynamics, decision-making, and collaboration.

08/13/2026

✨ Meet the Class! ✨

What a great night celebrating the start of a new Leadership Augusta year! We’re thrilled to welcome this incredible group of community leaders to the Leadership Augusta family! 💙

A special thank-you to our Presenting Sponsor, SRP Federal Credit Union, and our Program Partner, Augusta University, for helping make this experience possible and investing in the future leaders of the CSRA.

Here’s to a year of connection, collaboration, growth, and leadership! 🎉

Photography: Rhian Swain with RedWolf Advertising LLC

08/07/2026

It’s going to be a great year for the Class of 2027, so let’s get started! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, SRP Federal Credit Union, for gifting the class members a special duffle bag which will come in handy for the retreat 💚

07/31/2026

Come join us!

We are very excited for this year's kick-off event to welcome the YLA Class of 2027! 🎉
Register your alumni event ticket at https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/yla-class-of-2027-parent-and-student-reception

07/07/2026

🥂 Come meet the Class of 2027!

https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/events/meet-the-class-of-2027
Doors will open at 5:30p to mingle, and program will start at 6:30p. Light appetizers and drinks will be available. This event is open to the Class of 2027 members and their family, employers, and colleagues. Leadership Augusta alumni who are up-to-date on their dues are invited to attend.

06/29/2026

We are excited to announce the Class of 2027! 🎉

The Class of 2027 is presented by SRP Federal Credit Union, whose continued support helps cultivate the next generation of community leaders in the CSRA.

https://www.leadershipaugustaga.com/news/leadership-augusta-announces-class-of-2027

05/13/2026

🚔⚖️ The Leadership Augusta Class of 2026 recently stepped behind the scenes of Augusta’s public safety and justice systems during an impactful Public Safety & Criminal Justice Day, chaired by Alexia Payne Davis.

The day began at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center with breakfast sponsored by Sheriff Brantley, followed by a tour led by Major Chester Huffman that offered class members a first-hand look into the realities and responsibilities within the detention system. Throughout the day, participants heard directly from prosecutors, defenders, judges, investigators, and community advocates — gaining a broader understanding of how the many parts of the justice system work together in service of Augusta.

Highlights included:
• Touring the detention center with Major Chester Huffman
• Hearing from speakers Deputy Chief Assistant DA Falin Syms and Chief Assistant DA Kevin Davis, Kari Viola Brooke and Chief Judge Tianna Bias
• A leadership moment with H. Lee Prescott Jr. and a tour of the Public Defender’s Office
• A Criminal Investigations Division tour led by Investigator Sergeant Shawn Newsome
• Closing remarks and insight from Coroner Mark Bowen

Thank you to all of the speakers, hosts, and organizations who made this meaningful experience possible and helped our class better understand the complex, interconnected work of public safety and justice in Augusta.