Leadership Johnston

01/16/2026

Great time at Ay Guey Modern Mexican Cuisine! Enjoyed great food and reconnecting with our Leadership Johnston alumni. It feels me up to see new connections made. We look forward to next time. Thank you to Rizzardi Real Estate for sponsoring this event.

09/23/2025

💬 “The leadership education portion of Leadership Johnston was an incredible experience!” – Shannon Sellers, CEO/Founder of Showing My Roots

Through hands-on sessions and expert facilitation, Shannon gained skills in communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration—tools she now applies daily as a leader and coach. 🌟

Are you ready to strengthen your leadership abilities and make a lasting impact? Leadership Johnston is the place to start.

📅 Applications are open now—don’t miss your chance!

09/19/2025

Leadership Johnston goes "back to school"
Today’s Education Day reminded us that strong schools build strong communities—and a strong workforce.

✨ The class began at the Partnership for Children of Johnston County where we also learned about the critical importance of early education, especially the first 2,000 days of a child’s life, and how those early years impact long-term success.

🏫 At Swift Creek Elementary, Dr. Pearce and the JCPS Leadership Team shared how Johnston County Public Schools are preparing students for the future and addressing the challenges of workforce readiness. Go Sammy!

🎓 We closed the day at Johnston Community College, where President Dr. Vern Lindquist and his team highlighted how JCC is equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to power Johnston County’s economy.

Throughout the day, one message rang loud and clear: education and workforce development go hand-in-hand in building a stronger community.

👏 Thank you to our presenters and hosts for making Education Day both eye-opening and inspiring!

Leadership Johnston is presented by KS Bank.

09/16/2025

🌟 Building Connections, Building Community 🌟

When Heather Machia moved to Johnston County, Leadership Johnston gave her the tools, friendships, and local insights she needed to thrive in both her career and community. 💡

🤝 Leadership Johnston isn’t just about leadership skills—it’s about growing together and strengthening our county.

📅 Applications are open—take the next step in your leadership journey today!

09/09/2025

🚀 Leadership in Action 🚀

Chase Smith, Systems Administrator at KS Bank and member of the Leadership Johnston Class of 2024, shares how the program has boosted his confidence, expanded his network, and equipped him with the tools to make a real impact.

💡 Leadership Johnston isn’t just about learning—it’s about transformation. Are you ready to grow as a leader?

📅 Apply today to join the next class on leadershipjohnston.com

09/02/2025

🌟 Leadership Johnston Spotlight 🌟

Hear from Greg Percy, Police Chief of Benson and Class of 2015 graduate, on how Leadership Johnston helped him expand his perspective, build lasting connections, and grow as a leader.

👥 Leadership Johnston is more than a program—it’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, your staff, and the future of our community.

📅 Applications are open now—don’t miss your chance to be part of the next class!

08/26/2025

Shiquita Blue entered Leadership Johnston to build her skills. She left with confidence, connections, and career momentum.

Your leadership journey starts here — apply now at leadershipjohnston.com 📩

08/22/2025

⚙️ Leadership Johnston 2025 | Industry Session ⚙️

The day began at the Johnston Community College Workforce Development Center, where our cohort engaged in leadership development with Melissa Godwin Overton. Sessions on Conflict Resolution and The Art of Coaching gave participants practical tools to strengthen communication and lead with purpose.

🏭 In the afternoon, the group toured AAF-Flanders, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative work happening in Johnston County’s manufacturing sector.

A big thank-you to our facilitators, hosts, and partners for investing in the growth of leaders in our community! 💼✨

Leadership Johnston is sponsored by KS Bank

07/22/2025

Applications are now open!

Leadership Johnston is more than leadership training—it's an immersive experience designed to help professionals better understand Johnston County while forming meaningful connections with other local leaders.

Through hands-on learning, community exploration, and powerful conversations, participants gain valuable insight into the people, industries, and challenges that shape our county.

We’re kicking off a series of reflections from program alumni, starting with Jason W. Wensel of Narron Wenzel, P.A., who shares how Leadership Johnston impacted his journey.

Applications are open NOW!

07/18/2025

Leadership Johnston spent the day at Partnership for Children of Johnston County focused on Community Support Services.

The morning included finishing up "Why" speeches and a deep dive into levels of leadership with Melissa Godwin Overton, followed by a session on Busting Silos—encouraging collaboration across organizations to better serve Johnston County.

After lunch, class members completed a service project supporting the work of Partnership for Children of Johnston County.

We ended the day with a Community Services Panel Discussion featuring:
🔹 Ashley Bass-Mitchell, Alliance Health
🔹 Jackie Rodriguez, Hope Center Ministries - Wilson's Mills, NC
🔹 Randa Gay, Isaiah 117 House Johnston Co NC
🔹 Kay Johnson, Harbor Shelter

Thank you to all our panelists for sharing your knowledge and passion for serving others!

Leadership Johnston is presented by KS Bank

06/26/2025

Our cohort had a powerful and insightful day exploring healthcare in Johnston County! 🏥✨

📍 We kicked off at Johnston Medical Mall with inspiring “Why” speeches that reminded us why leadership rooted in purpose makes all the difference.

🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ The afternoon featured an eye-opening tour of HealthQuest and the Medical Mall, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with local healthcare leaders:
🔹 Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Johnston County Health Department
🔹 Pam Tripp, CommWell Health
🔹 Tommy Williams, UNC Health Johnston

Thank you to our speakers, hosts, and partners for sharing your time and expertise. Together, we're building a healthier, stronger Johnston County! 💙

Leadership Johnston is sponsored by KS Bank

05/16/2025

Today, our Leadership Johnston cohort spent the day in Benson, diving into the world of entrepreneurship and small business. We started the morning with Melissa Godwin Overton sharpening our communication skills and learning about professionalism, conflict resolution, and public speaking essentials.

🚶‍♂️ Our afternoon was packed with hands-on experiences, starting with a behind-the-scenes tour of Mule City Feeds, followed by a stroll through Benson’s vibrant Main Street. We connected with passionate small business owners like Angel Sanchez of Salvaged Heirlooms, Lindsey and Chess Royal of The Royal Boutique & Company and Merch Unlimited, and Paul Boucher of Small World Travel & Tours.

🍦 A sweet stop at Sisters II Ice Cream provided the perfect afternoon treat.

🥃 We wrapped up the day with a tour of the iconic Broadslab Distillery, where we learned about the craft and dedication that go into every batch.

Special thanks to the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. for sponsoring a delicious lunch and to all our local business leaders for sharing their time, insights, and entrepreneurial journeys with us. Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue to explore and learn together!

Leadership Johnston is sponsored by KS Bank.