The Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) Class of 2025 has officially graduated, concluding their five-month program with a final session focused on regional impact and leadership application. The three-day session in Chatham County included tours, project presentations, and a graduation ceremony.

The session kicked off at the Gulfstream Research and Development Campus in Pooler with a welcome from Pooler Mayor Karen Williams and a tour of the manufacturing plant. Participants gained insight into the military's significant presence in Chatham County at the 165th Airlift Wing through site tours, panel discussions, and a demonstration flight aboard a C-130 military transport aircraft. The day concluded with a visit to the Savannah Technical College Crossroads Campus for an overview of its aviation program.

"The military presence in Chatham County impacts myriad factors of life here," said Angela Hendrix, LSEGA program manager, Class of 2024 graduate, and chief marketing and public affairs officer at the Savannah Economic Development Authority. "From employment to education to support industries, understanding the reach of this essential community and discovering ways to maximize opportunities that benefit the entire region is one of the many ways LSEGA graduates are equipped to improve the quality of life for all." 

Day two began with a Belles Ferry ride across the Savannah River to the Savannah Convention Center. Session highlights included:

• Capstone Experience Presentations: Group projects based on overarching themes and specific experiences with LSEGA were presented for review. Topics included Natural Resources (Cumberland Island National Seashore), Education (Highlighting Trade Skills), Military Impact (Serving the Needs of Military Families), Infrastructure (DOT Coastal Empire Study and Housing), and Public Health and Safety (Community Fire and Rescue Resources)

• Tour of the new Savannah Convention Center: The group viewed recent updates and renovations presented by Events Manager Stephanie Loudermilk.

• Visit to SCAD Savannah Backlot: SCAD Savannah Vice President, Darrell Naylor-Johnson, led a campus tour of the state-of-the-art film production facility.

• Boat tour to an oyster farm: Beginning with a presentation at Savannah Boathouse by Co-Founder Laura Solomon of Tybee Oyster Company, the group visited the farm where they sustainably grow handcrafted oysters.

• Dinner at Savannah Technical College Culinary Institute: The Class of 2025 was treated to a dinner with guests from Savannah Tech, including President Ryan W. Foley, Department Head Chef Gearry Caudell, and Vice President for Community and College Relations Robert Grant (LSEGA Class of 2018). 

"It’s crucial to understand how local fisheries and culinary education, two industries that are foundational for employment, tourism, and the overall health of our regional economy, are interrelated," said Kendria Lee, LSEGA Chairwoman. "LSEGA prepares our leaders to find ways that strengthen those natural ties, encourage sustainability, and maximize their positive impact. This class has had wonderful and insightful experiences. I congratulate them all for their accomplishments."

On the final day of Session Five, Brynn Grant, President and CEO of Liberty County Development Authority and USA Today's 2025 Georgia Woman of the Year, addressed the class, offering advice and encouragement to maintain their momentum. The graduates received their graduation plaques before adjourning.

The Class of 2025 graduates:

• Mary Arocha, Vice President of Healthy Living and Corporate Wellness, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Bryan County

• Dr. Annalee Ashley Phillips, Vice President for External Affairs, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives; Chief of Staff to the President, Georgia Southern University, Bulloch, Chatham, and Liberty counties

• Genese Baker, Public Relations Director, Liberty County School System, Liberty County

• Rachel Barnwell, Vice President, Development Authority of Bulloch County, Bulloch County

• Adam Brown, Director of Physician Practices, Southeast Georgia Health System, Glynn County

• Edgar Bueno, Attorney, HunterMaclean, Chatham County

• Jennifer Collins, RISE Project Manager, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Chatham County

• Jennifer Davenport, Vice President of Community Affairs and In-House Counsel, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Chatham County

• Tina Kitchings, Senior Accountant, City of Hinesville Water Department, Liberty County

• Kewaan Drayton, CEO, Red Eye Film Productions, Chatham County

• Josh Elrod, Operations Manager, Superior Air Management, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, and McIntosh counties

• Kylie Forehand, Executive Director, Sylvania Downtown Development Authority, Screven County

• Paige Glazer, Real Estate Development Manager, Raydient Place + Properties, Bryan County

• Wesley Hester, General Manager, National Equipment Dealers, Bryan County

• Tracey Howard, Chief of Police, Hinesville Police Department, Liberty County

• Riley Johnson, Director of Human Resources, Bryan County Board of Commissioners, Bryan County

• Robbie Jump, Chief Deputy Sheriff, Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, Glynn County

• Cristy Lawrence, Senior Director of Capital Projects Management, City of Savannah, Chatham County

• Jason Marshall, President and CEO, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Chatham County

• LeAndrea Mikell, Executive Director of Governmental Relations and Economic Development, Savannah State University, Chatham County

• William H. Mock III, Southeast Region Executive, Georgia Power, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven counties

• Maria Moss, Founder, Phoenix Leadership Solutions, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties

• Meg Pace, System Director of Marketing, Communications + Business Development, Optim Health System, Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven counties

• McKenzie Padgett, Director of Business Development, Golden Isles Development Authority, Glynn County

• Trevor Peters, Project Manager, Thomas & Hutton, Camden County

• Jennifer Peterson, Deputy to the Garrison Commander, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Liberty County

• Kyle Redner, Public Affairs State Director, Gulfstream Aerospace, Chatham County

• Luella Sanders, Assistant Vice President for Regional Community Engagement, VyStar Credit Union, Bryan, Chatham, and Glynn counties

• Jay Torbert, President and CEO, Southeastern Bank, McIntosh County

• Hannah Valentine, Insurance Agent, Bryan County

LSEGA's programs are supported by sponsors including Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Evans General Contractors, Georgia Southern University,  M.E. Sack Engineering, The Sack Company, Thomas & Hutton, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Power, HunterMaclean, Bouhan Falligant, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Coleman Company, World Trade Center Savannah, Southeastern Bank, Bank of Newington, Cecilia Russo Marketing, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, and Hussey Gay Bell.

Local sponsors for the Chatham County session included Savannah Economic Development Authority, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah Technical College, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Pintail Site Preparation, Servpro of Savannah, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Abshire Public Relations, Stature Investments, Ad Specialty, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Matters, B.I.G. Entertainment Network, Jenny Gentry, Courtney Rawlins, River Street Sweets, Healthy Savannah, and the Savannah Convention Center.

To learn more about the Leadership Southeast Georgia program and its impact on the region, visit lsega.com.