(Submitted Photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango Foundation, the Leadership Chenango Advisory Board, and Commerce 
Chenango are pleased to announce the graduation of the 2020 Leadership Chenango class. The graduation marked the 17th year of high quality leaders that are prepared to meet the future challenges of our area.   

 

Jamie Hagenbuch, Chenango Health Network, Tobacco Free/Healthy Initiatives Coordinator & LC class graduate said, “Being born and raised in Chenango County, I thought I knew all of the businesses and opportunities our county has to offer and I couldn’t have been more incorrect. Thanks to Leadership Chenango I have had the opportunity to learn more about businesses that not only have a major impact on our communities but the world. From learning about businesses to our judicial system, legal system and how our local Department of Social Services is structured, how it operates and the passion that all of these professionals and leaders have for their careers is just inspiring.  What we have experienced and learned from our fellow leaders is something that I will forever be grateful to be a part of.”

 

Although the class was paused due to the pandemic, the group had decided together that the health and safety of the class was imperative and they would finish the class virtually. On October 8th, the 2020 Leadership Class conducted a virtual graduation celebration. 

 

The Class of 2020 and their employers include: Beth Beers – Chenango DSS; Jamie Burchill – NBT Insurance Agency; Megan Carnachan – Blueox Energy; Ann English – UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital; Rebecca Gould – Preferred Mutual Insurance Company; Sarah Green – Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County; Jamie Hagenbuch – Chenango Health Network; Molly Hall – Norwich – An Alvogen Company; Justin Hodge – Golden Artist Colors; Jeremiah Micklas – Golden Artist Colors; Brent Miller – NBT Bank; Jessica Moquin – Chenango County Historical Society; Joyce Schuurman – Chobani; John Stafford – NBT Bank; Kyle Tenney – The Mid-York Press; Bobbie Thornton – Prosapia Marketing; Cheryl White – Norwich – An Alvogen Company; Lexi Wilcox – NYCM and Adrienne Zornow.

 

The participant’s tuition is normally paid by a financial sponsor (the participant’s employer or sponsoring

organization) or by the participant. Additionally, scholarship assistance has been provided by the RC Smith Foundation, the Otis A. Thompson Foundation, NBT Wealth Management: Greater Norwich Foundation, and the Roger Follett Foundation for participants based on qualifications and need.

 

The Chenango Foundation is committed to the belief that leadership is the single most important ingredient needed to build a thriving and successful community. Although this years’ program looked a bit different, in keeping with its longstanding model for success, Leadership Chenango once again ushered in a new wave of leaders. Each graduate bringing with them new insights and fresh ideas to keep Chenango County moving forward.

 

It is of note that after participating and graduating in the Leadership class of 2012, Jill Eddy moved into the role of co-facilitating under the tutelage of long-time facilitator Judie Wright. In 2015-2016 she continued with the Leadership program as facilitator for the next three classes.  However, due to increased work commitments and having been accepted into NBT’s internal Leadership program, she will be passing the gavel to Melissa Stagnaro who co-facilitated for the 2020 class. Melissa graduated with the 2010 Leadership Chenango class and will be assuming the facilitator role for future classes. 

 

"It has been a true honor to have been involved with Leadership Chenango since 2011.  I was blessed to work with over 100 like-minded people who genuinely care about our community and the future of Chenango County.  What I have taken away from each class far outweighs what I contributed,” said Jill.

 

“I would like send a heartfelt thank you to Jill Eddy for her time and commitment to the future leaders of Chenango County.” noted Kerri Green, President & CEO of Commerce Chenango.  “The Leadership Chenango program helps foster the future of Chenango County and I hope that we see the names listed here on some of our boards, committees and elected positions in the future. These individuals are educated, eager and willing to serve and Chenango County should embrace them! This program is the jewel of the Chenango Foundation, and I am confident that the program is in good hands. We are excited to begin planning for our next class and working with new facilitator, Melissa Stagnaro.”

 

Leadership Chenango was developed under the auspices of The Chenango Foundation in 1988. Created by business representatives, community leaders, and government representatives, the program’s goals are to develop future leaders that are equipped to address the challenges of the area, and enhance those leaders’ knowledge of Chenango County and its various economic and socio-economic sectors.

-Submitted article