Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) launched its Class of 2026 programming with a three-day immersive session Feb. 11–13, 2026, highlighting the region’s communities, economy, natural assets, and quality of life across Glynn and Camden counties.

The Class of 2026 includes 32 professionals representing business, government, education, military, nonprofit, infrastructure, and financial sectors. Over the course of the session, participants engaged with regional leaders, toured key community assets, and explored the opportunities and challenges shaping Southeast Georgia’s future.

“Leadership Southeast Georgia exists to help leaders understand this region more deeply and work across boundaries more effectively,” said Stephanie Dammen-Morrell, chair of LSEGA. “Session One was an important start, grounding the Class of 2026 in the people, priorities, and opportunities shaping our coastal communities and setting a strong foundation for the collaboration ahead.”

The session began in St. Marys with a welcome from Mayor Greg Lockhart and an introduction to the Leadership Southeast Georgia program. Participants toured downtown St. Marys by golf cart, including visits to Brackish Beer Brewery, the St. Marys Submarine Museum, and the Cumberland Island Visitors Center, and observed a demonstration with the U.S. Coast Guard. 

On day two, participants explored key regional topics including economic development, infrastructure, housing, education, military partnerships, and natural assets. Speakers included LSEGA alumna Dorie Bacon, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Jason Coley, Georgia Power. The class was then hosted at the College of Coastal Georgia, where they heard from Ryan Moore, Golden Isles Development Authority; Brian Weese, Golden Isles College and Career Academy; Dr. Johnny Evans, College of Coastal Georgia; and LSEGA alumni Christy Jordan, Southeast Georgia Health System. The class then traveled to St. Simons Island to enjoy the region’s natural and historical assets during a coastal boat tour accompanied by LSEGA alumnus and Sea Island historian Wheeler Bryan. Brunswick City Manager Regina McDuffie and Mathew Hill, director of the Downtown Development Authority, welcomed the class to an evening of networking at Brunswick-born brewery with local leaders and LSEGA alumni.

The session concluded at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where participants heard from Doug Haymans, director of the DNR Coastal Resources Division, and Alexa Hawkins of the Jekyll Island Authority on the intersection of natural resources, tourism, and economic development.

“Session one set the tone for an impactful year ahead. From St. Marys to St. Simons Island to Brunswick, the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping workforce development, protecting natural resources, and advancing healthcare across Southeast Georgia,” said McKenzie Padgett, LSEGA Program Manager. “This session wasn’t just an introduction — it was a launchpad for informed, engaged, and collaborative leadership.” 

Leadership Southeast Georgia’s 2026 program is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including M.E. Sack Engineering, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia Power, Georgia Southern University, Coleman Company, Hussey Gay Bell, Savannah Economic Development Authority, World Trade Center Savannah, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, International Paper, HunterMaclean, AT&T, Liberty County Development Authority, McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, Seagate Terminals, Truist, Cecilia Russo Marketing, and Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon.

Local sponsors for the Glynn and Camden session include Golden Isles Development Authority, Southeast Georgia Health System, Camden County Joint Development Authority, Live Oak Fiber, GOPE St. Marys, Roberts Civil Engineering, Georgia Power, Torras Properties, Port City Partners, Ameris Bank, W.H. Gross Construction Company, King’s Consulting, Tourism Leadership Council, Okefenoke REMC, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, St. Marys Main Street, and Atlantic Salt Realty.

The Class of 2026 will continue its program in McIntosh, Liberty, and Long counties in March.