Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) participants recently gathered in Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties March 5-6 for Session Two of the regional leadership program. The session focused on the significant role military installations play in the regional economy and the partnerships and natural resources that support both military personnel and local communities.

 

The program began at Fort Stewart, where participants were welcomed by military and community leaders including Col. Gabe Weaver, garrison commander for U.S. Army Garrison Fort Stewart–Hunter Army Airfield, and Karl Riles, Hinesville mayor and LSEGA alumnus. The opening discussion highlighted the importance of strong partnerships among military leadership, local governments and regional organizations. These collaborations help sustain the regional economy and support the thousands of service members and families who call Southeast Georgia home.

 

“It is always an honor to welcome LSEGA to Hinesville and Liberty County,” said Riles. “The program does a fantastic job of bringing together talented men and women from across our region to learn what makes this area such a special place to live. We appreciate the opportunity not only to showcase our corner of Coastal Georgia, but also to share our challenges and our plans for the future. As an alum, it is inspiring to meet members of this new class and watch them build relationships that will last a lifetime.”

 

Throughout the morning, participants toured several programs designed to support service members and strengthen workforce pipelines. At the Transition Assistance Program facility, leaders learned how Fort Stewart prepares soldiers for successful transitions into civilian careers by connecting them with employers, training opportunities and education resources.

 

The group also visited the Home Builders Institute, part of the Army Career Skills Program, where service members receive hands-on training in construction and skilled trades—skills that translate directly into high-demand careers in the regional workforce.

Participants later toured the Marne Innovation Center, a collaborative maker space where soldiers, innovators and research partners—including collaborators from Georgia Southern University—develop creative solutions to operational and tactical challenges. The center highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration in fostering innovation within the military community.

 

The session continued with a visit to Dorchester Academy, a historic Liberty County landmark with deep roots in the region’s civil rights and educational history. Once an important training and meeting site during the Civil Rights Movement, Dorchester Academy now serves as a place of reflection, leadership development, and community engagement. Participants explored the academy’s legacy and discussed how preserving regional history contributes to stronger, more connected communities today. 

 

"After learning about the important history of Dorchester Academy, this class announced their intent to participate in the Dorchester Improvement Association's largest annual fundraiser, a Walk to Dorchester, scheduled for June 20," said Brynn Grant, Brynn Grant, CEO of the Liberty County Development Authority and former LSEGA board chair. "In the age of the internet and social media, in-person communication and relationship building through programs and events like Leadership Southeast Georgia are more important than ever. Collaboration is essential to our success as communities and as a region. This is one beautiful example."

 

The second day of the session was hosted at Dunham Farms at Stevens Hill Inc., a 9,000-acre family-owned sustainable tree farm and eco-tourism destination along the Liberty County coast. The setting offered participants a firsthand look at economic drivers shaping Southeast Georgia, particularly the region’s timber, forestry and natural resource industries. Presentations included insights from the Georgia Forestry Association, updates on regional economic development initiatives from the Tri-95 Georgia Joint Development Authority and a discussion on rural mental health services for military families and veterans provided by the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone.

 

“Each part of this session was intentionally designed to give participants a deeper understanding of the partnerships, industries and institutions that shape Southeast Georgia,” said Genese Baker, LSEGA program manager. “Throughout the session, participants explored the many systems that support our communities — from military installations and workforce development programs to forestry, health care and regional economic partnerships. Experiences like these give leaders a firsthand look at how collaboration across sectors strengthens our communities and supports the military families who call this region home.”

 

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 McIntosh, Liberty and Long session included Southeastern Bank, Coldwell Banker Commercial Southern Coast, Weichert Realtors, Spire Property Inspections, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Liberty County Development Authority, Strategic Biz Solutions, Global Business Development Strategist, and Sunbury Coffee Bar. 

 

The Class of 2026 will continue its program in Bryan County in April.

 

For more information about Leadership Southeast Georgia and its mission to cultivate regional leaders, visit lsega.com.