Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) is seeking nominations for civic, nonprofit and business leaders across the 10-county Southeast Georgia region to join the 2021 class of its leadership program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Aug. 14.

The LSEGA Program brings together a diverse cohort of professionals from Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties to form lasting relationships as they learn about and engage in constructive debate surrounding issues critical to the region's development and its distinct communities.

"It is our intention to host a regular schedule for the 2021 Class, though we understand our plans may need to be adjusted as circumstances regarding COVID-19 continue to evolve," said Brynn Grant, President and CEO of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, LSEGA graduate and chair of the board of directors. "In light of the current racial, economic, and political climate, we believe it is more important than ever to invest in the leadership of our region and stay connected and communicating through programs like Leadership Southeast Georgia."

Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by LSEGA alumni, their employers or other community leaders. Nominations can be submitted on the LSEGA website: https://www.lsega.com/nominate/.

Factors and requirements that will be taken into consideration include:

• Must live or work in the county from which he or she applies

• Must be willing to serve the community

• Must be open to growing as a professional

• Must be eager to learn new skills

• Must work well and participate in group activities

• Must be professional, motivated and prompt

LSEGA does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, or marital status. 

The five two- to three-day sessions will begin in February of 2021 and conclude in June. Each session will be held in different counties around our coastal region and will follow the guidelines issued by the CDC and the Department of Health.

During three of the five sessions, members of the 2021 class will have the unique opportunity to work alongside the 2020 class, whose sessions were interrupted by COVID-19. While the Class of 2020 has continued to connect virtually through sessions covering business development topics and the impact of the pandemic on the region, they will resume in-person sessions in the spring and will graduate with the 2021 class.

"Our board is excited to see what dynamic and innovative ideas stem from all of these minds coming together to discuss the events of the past year, from the Coronavirus to Governor Kemp's signing of House Bill 426, to recent Supreme Court rulings," said Grant. "We know these classes have valuable insights to share and we look forward to the ways in which they will shape the future of our region and the future of our program."

LSEGA is grateful for all corporate, small business and individual donors who make the program possible each year. Since 1999, the program has produced 16 graduating classes with over 350 alumni. To learn more, visit https://www.lsega.com/.