Leadership Southeast Georgia, a professional development and leadership program throughout 10 coastal counties, continued its 2022 programming in Camden, Long and Liberty counties. The 26 members of the Class of 2022, regional leaders from business, professional and civic organizations, participate in a five-month course of ongoing personal and professional growth to build connections and learn collaboration skills that empower them to improve the region. The agenda for the second session focused on our area military installations and emergency response.

“Our local military bases are an important part of so many communities, so keeping up with their impact on the region helps us all help each other,” said Suzanne Kirk, LSEGA facilitator. “We also reviewed emergency preparedness and response, something our regional military folks might need to be part of in a worst-case scenario."

Participants also learned about the effects the military has on our economic and workforce development. They also explored the interconnectedness of military bases and branches, reviewing how they work together to serve our region. Hurricane preparation and response were of specific concern to the group. As always, LSEGA maintains an overall study of leadership styles and best practices in the organizations they meet with and visit. 

Day one of the session began with a welcome address from St. Marys Mayor John F. Morrissey, followed by a presentation by Al Sandrik of the National Weather Service. Next, a panel discussion on disaster preparation and recovery was led by Chuck White of Camden Country Emergency Management Agency, Royce Proctor of Okefenoke Rural Electric Membership Corp., and Nicole Sullivan of Kings Bay Emergency Management Office. 

The group then visited St. Marys Submarine Museum before observing a Coast Guard exercise. After lunch, human resources expert and LSEGA alumna Suzanne Kirk presented “Leadership Insights Using CPI 260,” a personal inventory assessment that identifies an individual’s leadership strengths and areas for development. 

Day two at Ft. Stewart began with a command brief by Col. Manny Ramirez on the workforce and economic impact of military bases. This was followed by a tour of the Emergency Operations Center, a simulation training, a demonstration of Fire Station 1’s fire and law enforcement capabilities and a guided tour of the museum. 

Other speakers during the session included Keith Post of St. Mary’s Submarine Museum and Col. Pete Hoffman of the Georgia Military Affairs Committee. 

LSEGA 2022 Program sponsors include Evans General Contractors, Morgan Corp., Georgia Southern University, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, M.E. Sack Engineering, Gulfstream Aerospace, Sack Construction and Maintenance, and Georgia Power. 

Sponsors of LSEGA Session 3 include Osteen Law Group, Armed Services YMCA, Country Financial, Jamie Langford, Okefenoke REMC, M.E. Sack Engineering and CB Yadav.

To learn more about Leadership Southeast Georgia, visit lsega.com.