Leadership Barrow

08/18/2026

Welcome to the Class of 2027!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Joe Leach from Amazing Friends Club for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Originally from Northwest Indiana, Joe and his family have lived in (and braved) the Georgia pollen for over ten years now. Prior to founding the Amazing Friends Club in September of 2024, Joe spent nearly two decades in the school system serving in a variety of roles from teaching to educational leadership. His passion was always centered around helping others, with a special interest in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A true changemaker, Joe and his family saw a need here in Barrow County and met it! When he's not hanging out with the Amazing Friends as they volunteer, learn, and sing the occasional karaoke, Joe enjoys hiking, taveling, and spending time with his wife Gina, four children, and six grandchildren.

Our very first session is tomorrow, but we will continuing to spotlight members of the Class of 2027, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Joe Leach!

08/17/2026

Welcome to the Class of 2027!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Kristin Shedd from Bank OZK for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Originally a South Florida girl, Kristin and her family relocated to Barrow about 8 years ago. Her husband grew up here, and they were looking for the perfect community to raise their children while forming strong community bonds! Through her career at Bank OZK, Kristin enjoys being able to support local businesses and the faces behind them while serving others through volunteering and giving back. Outside of work, she can frequently be found in the kitchen whipping up delicious food and treats. She also enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, and cheering on the Braves!

As we prepare for our first session in August, we will be spotlighting a member of the Class of 2027 each day, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Kristin Shedd!

08/13/2026

Last night, the Chamber was honored to gather with so many inspiring community changemakers at our Leadership Barrow Alumni Social🧡 From the very first Leadership Barrow Class of 2000 to the soon to be Class of 2027, the room was filled with laughter, stories, and connection! Our upcoming class mingled with graduates and heard of tales of past classes while old classmates reunited. It is truly a BIG DEAL to be able to have such a strong local network of business leaders, first responders, and non-profit trailblazers! We look forward to continuing the strong tradition of Leadership Barrow as the Class of 2027 begins their first session next week. To the graduates, what’s your favorite Leadership Barrow story?

08/10/2026

Class of 2027 Spotlight!

🔦 Leadership Barrow Spotlight 🔦

The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Branden Turner from Georgia Power for being chosen as a member of the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Born and raised on a farm here in Barrow, Branden is no stranger to the wonderful things happening in our community. Before graduating college and starting his role as an Engineering Supervisor, he held several interesting jobs, from being a sandwich artist to helping lay folks to rest as a gravedigger! Branden has been married to his wife (also a Barrow native) for ten years, and they are proud to raise their two children so close to the community where they met years ago at Auburn Elementary. He is looking forward to continuing to serve Barrow while learning more about the place he calls home!

As we prepare for our first session in August, we will be spotlighting a member of the Class of 2027 each day, so stay tuned to see all of the incredible leaders we have in this year's class🧡

Thank you to our partner, Piedmont Athens Regional, for helping make this program possible for changemakers like Branden Turner!

08/10/2026

Leadership Barrow Alumni! Hope you can join us this Wednesday evening to meet the Class of 2027. Don't forget to RSVP to [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

On behalf of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Barrow Committee, we are honored to invite all past alumni as well as the Class of 2027 to a social at The Vault Speakeasy! Join us for light hors d'oeuvres and a great atmosphere as we network with old friends and new connections alike. After 7pm, feel free to continue the party upstairs for karaoke!

08/03/2026

On behalf of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Barrow Committee, we are honored to invite all past alumni as well as the Class of 2027 to a social at The Vault Speakeasy! Join us for light hors d'oeuvres and a great atmosphere as we network with old friends and new connections alike. After 7pm, feel free to continue the party upstairs for karaoke!

07/28/2026

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027! Beginning in August, this group of 26 local leaders will attend 10 sessions focused on leadership development while getting an in-depth look into our community. From days spent touring manufacturing and infrastructure facilities to learning about the history of Barrow County as well as our current cities and towns, there are so many pivotal topics to cover! Congratulations to all, and we look forward to introducing you to them as we lead up to our first session on August 19th🧡

For more information about Leadership Barrow and our sessions, visit: www.leadershipbarrow.com

06/29/2026

Application deadline extended for the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027!! If you are an alumni of Leadership Barrow, what was your favorite part of the program?

06/18/2026

We are accepting applications through June 30th for the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027 presented by Piedmont Athens Regional.

https://leadershipbarrow.com

06/08/2026

We are now accepting applications for the Leadership Barrow Class of 2027!! Grow your network, step outside of your comfort zone, and dive deeper into all of the incredible things our community has to offer during Barrow’s premier 10-month Leadership course. Click the link for more information on the program as well as a look into what a day in session might look like! For more information, call us at 770-867-9444 or email Lydia Huff at [email protected]🧡

www.leadershipbarrow.com