Leadership Germantown

05/19/2026

Class of 2026 is showing up and showing out!! Way to go Joni - such a well deserved nomination!!

05/19/2026

So proud of Houston High Principal and 2026 Leadership Germantown Alum Hallie Ross! Her leadership and commitment were one of the many things that made this year so special 😍

05/07/2026

Last night, LG 2026 officially graduated and became part of the family. Congratulations to David Clark, recipient of the Jim Roberts Award and the driving force behind achieving the 30 for 30 project goal.

We are truly excited to see how this class continues to engage, lead, and advocate for our community.

05/01/2026

1 service project wasn’t enough for the Class of 2026! 30 for 30!

Interested in receiving City news and events via email? Sign up for eNotifications or the weekly Germantown UpFront newsletter. You can also receive emergency text alerts by registering for Germantown Alert. For more information, contact the communications team at [email protected] .....

04/23/2026

The final official session of the Leadership Germantown Class of 2026 centered on Leadership Under Pressure, highlighting the vital role of the Fire and Police departments in upholding Germantown’s high standard of safety and service.

The day began with Board Chair Dane Williams ’23 organizing the class into teams, setting the tone for a hands-on, fast-paced experience focused on public safety and leadership in action.

Participants engaged in fire training with the Germantown Fire Department, navigating a simulated “burning” building in full turnout gear, learning to breach a door, and refreshing essential CPR and first aid skills.

At the Germantown Police Department, participants rotated through breakout sessions with specialized units, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at dispatch, SWAT, the drone team, and K9 operations.

During lunch, participants heard from Fire Chief Eric Grizzard, Police Chief Mike Fisher, Public Works Director Allen Broughton ’26, and Chief Communications Officer Stacey Crockett ’07, who offered insight into leadership across departments.

Thank you to the Germantown Fire and Police Departments for hosting and providing an inside look at the work that keeps the community safe and prepared. A special nod to board members Missy Abel, Katrina Grubbs, Kyle Eaton, and Meredy Dahlgren for sharing their experiences and reflections throughout the day.

From hands-on training to direct engagement with leadership, the session reinforced the impact of strong public service and decisive leadership under pressure.

Last Official Session: ✔️
Leadership Under Pressure: 🚒🚓
Graduation 🎓: May 6

04/10/2026

We want to hear from you!! 🎉
Follow this link to help guide the next era of LG!

04/09/2026

Session 6 of the Leadership Germantown Class of 2026 focused on Infrastructure and Identity, exploring how public works, civic spaces, and strategic planning shape the foundation and character of Germantown. Thank you to our session sponsor West Tennessee Bank, new to Germantown but not the community and led by Mike Edwards, LG founding board member and Wendy Percoski ‘24.

The day began at the Germantown Public Works Department, where the class was welcomed by Leadership Germantown Board Members Matt May ‘21 and Meredy Dahlgren ‘24. Following an overview of the day’s expectations, current class member Allen Broughton provided insight into Public Works operations and the essential services that keep the city running efficiently behind the scenes. Participants then rotated through interactive stations with Public Works crews, including equipment operations, water treatment, and animal services.

Following the morning session, the class traveled to the Germantown Performing Arts Center for an afternoon centered on community identity. The class participated in a Lunch and Learn with GPAC Executive Director Parke Kennedy, who shared insights on the role of arts and culture in strengthening community identity, followed by a guided tour of the facility.

The session continued with a presentation on public art in Germantown, highlighting how intentional design and creative expression contribute to a strong sense of place. Participants also heard from Parks & Recreation Director Natalie Ruffin, who shared updates on the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan and its long-term vision for community spaces.

A special thank you to the Germantown Public Works Department and the Germantown Performing Arts Center for hosting and providing an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at the systems and spaces that define our city.
From operations to arts and planning, Session 6 reinforced how thoughtful investment in infrastructure and identity drives meaningful community impact.

Session Six: ✔️
Infrastructure and Identity: 🏗️🎭

03/27/2026

Session 5 of the Leadership Germantown Class of 2026 focused on Community Engagement through Service, highlighting the impact of service-driven leadership and community partnerships across Germantown.

The day began at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, where the class was welcomed by Leadership Germantown Board Members Andrea Taylor and Abby Wilson, who set the stage for the day’s experience.

The class heard from Alderman Brian Ueleke, who provided insight on his appointed commissions and the role of local leadership in serving the community.

Throughout the morning, the class engaged with healthcare leaders and professionals, including
Rebecca Cullison, President and
Tara Etter, Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Hospital

The class toured key areas of the hospital, including the OR, catheter lab and hybrid spaces, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that support community health and well-being.

In the afternoon, the class traveled to Madonna Learning Center, where Jo Gilbert, Executive Director and Class of 2019 alum, provided a tour of the facility and shared insight into the organization’s mission and impact.

The class then shared lunch, engaged in activities like floor hockey and heard from John Carroll, CEO of City Leadership, on the importance of regional success and influencing others by being a leader.

A special thank you to Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital and Madonna Learning Center for hosting and providing meaningful opportunities to learn, connect and serve.

From healthcare to hands-on service, Session 5 offered a powerful reminder of how engagement and service strengthen the fabric of our community.

Session Five: ✔️
Community Engagement through Service: 🤝

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

Session 4 of the Leadership Germantown Class of 2026 focused on Economic Vitality & Innovation, exploring the partnerships and strategies that help drive Germantown’s economy.

The day began at The Standard Phase I, where the class toured the development with Adam Slovis of Slovis Commercial.

Participants also heard from Alderman Tony Salvaggio, who shared insight into the role of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in guiding Germantown’s growth.

Throughout the day, the class heard from an impressive lineup of local and regional leaders, including:

Cameron Ross, Economic and Community Development Director, City of Germantown
Adrienne Royals, Finance Director, City of Germantown

Dr. Joann Massey, President and CEO, Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE)

Chris Mefford, President and CEO, Community Attributes Inc.

The session also featured a “Why Germantown” panel with representatives from Saddle Creek, MAA and Campbell Clinic, highlighting why Germantown remains a strong place for businesses to invest and grow.

A special thank you to our session sponsor, the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce, for helping make this day of learning and leadership possible.

From local shopping to regional economic strategy, Session 4 offered valuable insight into how economic vitality supports the services, quality of life and opportunities that make Germantown thrive.

Session Four: ✔️
Economic vitality and Innovation: 📈

02/19/2026

Leadership Germantown – Session 3 focused on cultivating the next generation of emerging leaders through an engaging and inspiring day with the Germantown Municipal School District.

A special thank you to the Germantown Education Foundation and current class members Joni Hester, GEF Executive Director, and Clark Kelman, GEF President, for supporting such an impactful day. We encourage the community to support their mission by participating in the upcoming Summer Gala and Lemonade Stand Day.

The session spotlighted how Germantown Municipal School District is intentionally building a strong leadership foundation within its students, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and real-world experiences needed to lead now and in the future.

The class heard from Alderman Sherrie Hicks, Germantown’s education commission board liaison, along with a dynamic legislative panel, gaining valuable insight into local governance and civic leadership. Participants also toured schools and classrooms to see leadership development in action and took part in professional “speed dating,” connecting directly with students.

This meaningful session was organized by Missy Abel ’23 and Blake Sim ’20, alongside current class members Hallie Ross, Principal of Houston High School, and Lara Charbonnet, Instructional Supervisor at Houston.

From civic engagement to career readiness and student voice, Session 3 highlighted the power of investing in emerging leaders and reinforced the collaborative spirit that makes Germantown strong.

Session Three: ✔️
Emerging Leaders: 🎓✨