Leadership Rutherford

05/21/2026

Turns out leadership involves a lot of laughter, unexpected friendships, inside jokes, and people who start as classmates and leave feeling a little more like family. 💙😄

The 2025–2026 Leadership Rutherford class reminded us that some of the best parts of leadership are the relationships built along the way.

What a fun year with an incredible group of people. 🎉

Applications for 2026-2027 are now open!
www.leadershiprutherford.org

05/20/2026

And just like that, another Leadership Rutherford class comes to a close. 💙🥹♥️

Over the past year, this group has traveled across Rutherford County together—learning from community leaders, hearing difficult stories, celebrating successes, serving others, and building relationships that will last far beyond this program.

They saw the heart behind our schools, farms, businesses, nonprofits, healthcare systems, local government, arts, community organizations, and more. They gave their time, served our community, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered that leadership is often less about titles and more about showing up for people.

Some entered the program simply hoping to learn more about the community. What they leave with is something much deeper: connection, perspective, purpose, and each other.

To the Leadership Rutherford Class of 2025–2026: thank you for investing in this community and in one another. Rutherford County is stronger because of leaders willing to listen, grow, and serve.

Congratulations, graduates!

https://www.leadershiprutherford.org

05/13/2026

Leadership Rutherford | Culture & Community Day

This week, the Leadership Rutherford class concluded the year with a meaningful day focused on culture, community, service, and the organizations that help shape the heart of Rutherford County.

Hosted at the Grahamtown Community Center, participants heard from leaders and partners who are making a lasting impact across our region:

Sam Seigler- Leadership Series
Rutherford County Farm Museum
Grahamtown Team
Rollin’ RoCo
Legacy Soccer Park (Town of Forest City/ RHI Legacy Foundation)
Casa Latina of Rutherford, NC
Rutherford Stage

Leadership Rutherford continues to remind us that strong communities are built through connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving others.

05/11/2026

Rising juniors—this is your reminder to go for it!

Leadership Rutherford is for students who are curious, motivated, community-minded, or simply ready to grow. Applications, including letters of recommendation, are due May 15.
https://www.leadershiprutherford.org

05/06/2026

Calling 2026-2027 High School Juniors👀
You don’t have to have it all figured out to apply.
Apply by May 15 at https://www.leadershiprutherford.org

🌟 2026–2027 Cohort – comprehensive, immersive, over time
Both experiences are designed to engage, empower, and equip individuals to make a meaningful impact in Rutherford County. Leadership Rutherford is not limited to those already in leadership roles—it’s for anyone ready to deepen their understanding of the community and how they can contribute to its future.

05/06/2026

Dynamite Marketing on a Firecracker Budget! 🎆

www.isothermal.edu/industry/sbc/

05/04/2026

Board Spotlight: Ben Roach

We are proud to spotlight Benjamin Roach, a dedicated member of the Leadership Rutherford Board who has continued his service from high school into college.

A graduate of CHASE High School - Forest City, NC and Isothermal Community College, Ben is now a Political Science major at the University of South Carolina, where he serves as Chair of the University of South Carolina Student Government Senate Finance. His leadership and academic excellence have been recognized through honors such as the Dean’s and President’s Lists, Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation Scholarship recipient, and selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program state nominee.

Ben’s continued commitment to Leadership Rutherford reflects the power of investing in young leaders—and the impact they can make both now and in the future.

Thank you, Ben, for your leadership and dedication to our community!

05/03/2026

Leadership starts with a willingness to show up, learn, and engage.

Behind every Leadership Rutherford class is a dedicated group of community leaders working together to create meaningful experiences that connect people to purpose and place.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, growing your perspective, or making a difference in Rutherford County, this is your moment.

Applications are open—we are ready for you to take the next step.
🔗 Apply today: https://www.leadershiprutherford.org/

05/03/2026

Leadership starts with a willingness to show up, learn, and engage.

Behind every Leadership Rutherford class is a dedicated group of community leaders working together to create meaningful experiences that connect people to purpose and place.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, growing your perspective, or making a difference in Rutherford County, this is your moment.

Applications are open—we are ready for you to take the next step.
Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced, 7-day summer experience or the traditional August-May program, Leadership Rutherford has a path for you!
🌟 Sprint Program (Summer) – fast-paced, high-impact week
🌟 2026–2027 Cohort – comprehensive, immersive, over time
🔗 Apply today: https://www.leadershiprutherford.org/

05/02/2026

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

What a beautiful evening of community, generosity, and purpose. 💙

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Leading the Way Home benefit a success for our community — those who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, planned, prepared food, provided music, and contributed items for the silent auction. Steele Mountain Realty, LLC, Creekside Farm Venue LLC

Together, approximately $6,000 was raised for Rutherford Housing Partnership Inc to support MDCC Stronger Together Day of Caring, helping fund needed home repairs for residents in our community.

Grateful for all who helped turn care into action. 🫶🏼